…..calls for flexible funding model for Mechanized agriculture in Nigeria
Former commissioner for finance in Kwara state and cheiftain of Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Honorable Nurudeen Ademola Banu has praised Saraki-led government for the initiative that birthed Shonga Farms holding in Kwara.
He describing it as highly productive venture that has become source of employment for youthful population in the state.
Banu, in a media chat with this medium, also condemned the incumbent APC-led government for disparaging Shonga farm project which he described as unique and important source of revenue generation for the state.
The former Commissioner decried rates of unemployment in Nigeria as he called on government at all levels to key into flexible funding model for mechanised farming; a replica of the Shonga farms holding, which was an initiatives under the Saraki-led administration.
Explaining contributions of Shonga farms to Kwara state economy, the chartered accountant noted that a subsidiary of the farm holding alone, Valentines Chicken, with a private investment of $100million is producing 22,000 chickens per day and 110,000 chickens on weekly basis for commercial consumption.
He added that more than one thousand and five hundreds people are gainfully employed by Valentines chickens with the host and neighbouring communities benefitting economically from the Shonga farm operation
Banu, while appealing to government at all levels to tackle high unemployment rate,which he described as a time bomb, also lambasted the incumbent Abdulrazaq government for disparaging a good initiative such as Shonga Farm holdings, instead of building on it to provide more opportunity for citizens.
Talking on how government can tackle youths unemployment, the Ajase-ipo born Financial expert said
“The government should do something that will bring confidence to the economy. The first thing is security. We also need to encourage our local manufacturers. Multiple taxes should be addressed. Government should encourage entrepreneurship.
“We should also focus on and design a flexible funding model for mechanized agriculture as was done in Kwara State during Dr Bukola Saraki’s administration.”
