Nigerian Newsday

By Abubakar Labaran, Kafanchan

In an effort to boost agricultural products in the state, the Kaduna State government has completed arrangements to construct more dams across the state.

The state deputy governor, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, disclosed this during the distribution ceremony of materials to some beneficiaries of the Poverty Alleviation Programme of the state in Kafanchan, last week.

Mr. Yakowa said the construction of the dams was aimed at providing irrigation opportunities to farmers so that dry season farming would get additional boost.

He added that the reasons for distributing the materials were to provide self-employment to some of the un-employed people as well as reduce the number of people living in poverty.

Mr. Yakowa also called on politicians to shun the politics of violence and selfishness, rancour and blackmail so as to move the country to greater heights.

He also called on the people to continue to support Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi in his presidential ambition, adding that they should also not forget that he, the deputy governor, is aspiring for the governorship seat of Kaduna State.

In his speech, the chairman implementation committee, Mr. Mikiah Tokpak, described the collaboration between the state and the local government as a very good step towards eradicating poverty in the state.

Mr. Tokpak who is also the state commissioner for industries, advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the materials they were given so that they can improve their condition of living.

Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman of Jama’a Local Government Council, Mr. Abraham Jatau, prayed for the success and continuation of the programme as according to him it would go a long way in reducing social ills vices in the society.

He also called on the people to continue to maintain the present peaceful atmosphere in the area which he said was the only condition that could attract more dividends of democracy to them.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in Jama’a Local Government, the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu II, commended the efforts of the Kaduna State and Jama’a Local Government for their concern for the less-privileged.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries to reporters after receiving a generator, Malam Baffa Jume thanked the government of Kaduna State for distributing the items to them.

The materials distributed included irrigation pumping machines, bicycles, clippers, hair dryers, grinding machines and electric generating machines.