FG commences control of quelea birds, pests in Kebbi
The federal government has flagged-off the control of quelea birds, grass-cutters, locusts and other pests migrating into the country from Niger Republic through its border with Sokoto State in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
Speaking during the flag-off of the aerial spray of farms to prevent the advancing birds and pests in Birnin Kebbi area, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, said the federal government acted swiftly to stop the birds, grass-cutters, locusts and other pests from entering Kebbi, because it is one of the frontline states that was strategic to its agricultural programme.
Chief Ogbe said the representatives of the federal government were in Kebbi, because of the complaints made to them that pests from neighbouring countries are threatening rice and wheat farms in the state and were endangering the expected bumper harvest.
He said: “The president asked us to take action immediately and so we are here. We have organized some chemicals to engage the pests and birds today”.
It would be recalled that the state’s deputy governor, retired Captain Samaila Yombe Dabai, last week raised alarm over the quelea birds from Niger Republic. He said they were spotted at Goroyon in Sokoto and were already advancing towards Kebbi.
The minister said agriculture was the number one component of this administration’s policy of diversification of the nation’s economy. He said presently there was urban hunger in the country but there is no hunger in Kebbi, because people there are into agriculture.
He urged other states to emulate the state in order to overcome hunger in the country.
“If only 20 states in the country can do what Kebbi is doing today Nigeria will be a major food exporter by tomorrow morning,” he said. Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the federal government for its efforts in ensuring food security in the country.
“What is being witnessed today is an important element in safe-guarding the investment of over 300,000 farmers in Kebbi State to achieve food security for the nation,” he said.