Jigawa Governor, Radda mourns as Bakori LG chairman dies
Maduabuchi Nmeribeh
Jigawa state government has rolled out bio-fortified seeds to strengthen nutrition and climate-resilient farming across the state.
The state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi officially launched the distribution of biofortified seed varieties—specifically millet and maize—as part of the state government’s strategy to combat malnutrition and strengthen climate-resilient farming systems across the state.
A Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, indicated that the initiative, flagged off in Dutse, “aligns with Governor Namadi’s 12-point agenda and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable agricultural development.”
Speaking during the launch, Governor Namadi emphasized that the distribution of biofortified seeds in the largely agrarian state is not just an agricultural intervention, but a health-driven initiative.
“Indeed, the launch of climate-resilient and biofortified seeds stands as a powerful declaration of our resolve to ensure not only unimpeded and timely access to quality seeds by our farmers, but also—very importantly—access to the kind of seeds that will complement our efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and improvement in the health and health conditions of our people.
“It is toward this end that we are today commencing the distribution of climate-resilient and biofortified seeds to 30,000 smallholder farmers throughout Jigawa State. This is, by all means, a critical and practical step within our overall agricultural transformation agenda, with a direct impact beyond the agricultural sector,” he said.
The launch was supported by HarvestPlus and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), in collaboration with relevant federal and state institutions.
The selected crops—millet and maize—are known for their adaptability to local farming systems and their enhanced levels of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc.
Governor Namadi highlighted the strategic importance of the intervention in supporting farmers and vulnerable groups across the state.
According to him: “As most of us are aware, we are presently faced with the existential risks of climate change, which manifest in various dimensions, including drought, perennial floods, and the unpredictability of the farming season.
“We also recognize the burden of malnutrition, particularly among children, for which we believe the only lasting solution is food and nutrition security in all households, whether in rural or urban communities.
“These specialized seeds are therefore a direct response in empowering our farmers with the tools to confront these challenges head-on and to support our development objectives across other sectors.
“In other words, this initiative is not a standalone intervention. It forms part of the comprehensive and integrated reform agenda, which continuously leverages synergies across sectors to achieve a common purpose of sustainable improvement in the well-being of our people.”
Governor Namadi further stated that the state government is implementing a far-reaching agricultural transformation agenda focused on improving productivity, sustainability, and food security, of which key initiatives include the recruitment of 1,435 extension workers, support for over 40,000 rice and wheat farmers through input financing, and major reforms in farm mechanization through the establishment of an Agricultural Transformation Agency and Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company.
The government, he said, is also setting up 60 Farm Service Centers with modern equipment and preparing to launch a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, all aimed at boosting efficiency and expanding wheat and rice production to position the state as a national leader in agriculture.
Also, speaking at the event, the HarvestPlus Nigeria Country Manager, Yusuf Dollar Fu’ad, commended the Jigawa State Government for taking the initiative in introducing the LDS biofortified seeds in the state.
“Research has also shown that rising temperatures due to climate change are immensely depleting the nutrients we have in our staple crops, hence the need for us to increase our investment in creating access to these nutritious varieties,” he said
As part of the rollout, extension workers and farmers across the state will receive training and support to maximize the impact of the biofortified millet and maize seeds.
Jigawa Governor, Radda mourns as Bakori LG chairman dies
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hon. Aminu Dan Hamidu, Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina state, who died on Monday.
In a solemn condolence message, the Governor described the late Chairman as a loyal party man, a seasoned civil servant, and a grassroots politician who devoted his life to public service with honesty, humility, and uncommon dedication.
“Today, Katsina has lost one of its most committed and selfless sons,” Governor Radda said. “Hon. Hamidu was a quiet achiever who believed in the values of integrity, transparency, and people-first leadership. His death is a painful loss — not only to Bakori but to the entire state,” he said.
Hamidu was elected Chairman of Bakori Local Government in the February 2025 Local Government elections and officially assumed office in April 2025.
Though his tenure was brief, he left behind a legacy of purpose-driven leadership and genuine commitment to community development.
The Governor noted that Hamidu’s service across different levels of government had always been marked by diligence and a deep concern for the welfare of the people.
“He was not someone who sought the spotlight. He let his work speak for him,” the Governor added. “Even in a short period, he showed what leadership could mean when rooted in sincerity,” Governor Radda added.
Governor Radda, on behalf of the government and people of Katsina State, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chairman, the good people of Bakori, and members of the All Prpgressive Congress (APC) family across the state.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdausi,” the Governor prayed. “We will continue to remember him for his modesty, his dedication, and the love he had for his people,” he said.