Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that between July and September this year, agriculture has contributed about 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He also said Niger State is crucial in engendering rapid growth and development in the country.
Osinbajo spoke in Bida during the turbaning ceremony of four people in Bida Emirate where he said that with its vast land, Niger State has contributed immensely to the agricultural revolution of the Buhari administration.
“Nupe land with its vast farmlands and extensive farming activities is crucial to delivering this figure.
“This administration also understands the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians have a sustainable living standard and we must ensure that all are gainfully employed in legitimate economic activities,” he said.
He said this is the reason the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had to approve the reconstruction of some of the federal roads in Niger State out of the nine roads selected in the North central geopolitical zone.
He commended the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Nupe land and its unity. He described the monarch as a quintessential leader and a rallying point to all Nupe people.
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello attributed the co-operation and support of the traditional rulers in the state to the effort of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar who is the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the reconstruction of some roads across the state, saying that the roads when completed, will end the hardship road users are going through.
Those turbaned included the member, House of Representatives, Bida, Gbako, Katcha Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdullahi as the Gwarzon Nupe, the member Niger State House of Assembly representing Bida North, Bako Alfa Kasimu as the Zaran Nupe.
Others are the member representing Bida South Constituency, Mohammed Alhaji Haruna as Dan Turaki Nupe and the Chairman of Bida Local Government Area, Suleiman Sheshi as the Maina Nupe.
The Vice-President was conferred with the traditional title of Garkuwan Yamman Nupe which means “Defender of Nupe Kingdom” by the Etsu Nupe.
