BENUE FARMERS RECEIVE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S FERTILIZER PALLIATIVE
Fertilizer reception ceremony coordinated by the SEMA Boss in Benue
Rhoda Nomhwange/Raphael Mbaiorga
The Federal Government through the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Thursday flagged off the distribution of fertilizer to Benue Farmers under the Agriculture Emergency Intervention, hitherto affected by the herders/farmers crisis.
In his address, the Director General National Emergency Management Agency, AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Mohammed commiserated with the government and people of Benue State on behalf of the Federal Government, over the herdsmen attack on residents of the state. He also, appreciated the Governor of Benue State for the support given to NEMA in the state. He called on farmers to make judicious use of the fertilizers for agricultural purposes. According to NEMA DG, five local governments had benefited from the gesture in 2019. In the current distribution, beneficiaries from 8 local governments of the state are listed out of the over 21,000 farmers identified in 2019, he said.
On his part, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom appreciated President Buhari for the gesture. The Governor promised his support to NEMA through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). He also said Benue State Farmers will do the needful with the fertilizer.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Philip Orshatse thanked the federal government for the intervention and promised a bumper harvest.
Top government functionaries from Benue State attended the flag-off ceremony, including the state Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu. Activities at the flag off ceremony were coordinated by the SEMA Boss in Benue, Dr. Emmanuel Shior and his staff, supported by NEMA Benue State.
