“WE’RE TURNING FARMERS INTO ENTREPRENEURS” — GOV. NAMADI AS NUJ HONOURS HIM GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR ON AGRICULTURE
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into an engine for industrial growth and economic empowerment.
He said this while receiving the Governor of the Year Award on Agriculture and his investiture as Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jigawa State Council, during a courtesy visit by the NUJ national leadership led by its president, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, on Tuesday at the Government House, Dutse.
Governor Namadi described the recognition as an honour for the people and government of Jigawa State and a testament to collective effort.
“Let me state clearly that this award is not for me as an individual, but for the entire team that has worked tirelessly to make Jigawa what it is today—including members of your union,” he said.
He noted that agriculture remains the mainstay of Jigawa’s economy, contributing about 46% to its GDP, and underlined that his administration’s priority is empowering smallholder farmers and turning agriculture into industry.
“For us in Jigawa State, agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, contributing about 46 percent to our GDP. Nearly 90 percent of our people depend on it. That is why we have made it our mission to transform agriculture into an industry—by empowering the smallholder farmer.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure that someone farming one hectare can expand to three and that every farmer has access to inputs, credit, and the tools needed to feed their family and supply the market.”
The governor stated that his administration is modernizing agriculture through mechanization and digital innovation, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.
“We have modernized the system by introducing mechanization. In our first year, we procured 60 tractors—one per local government—and saw the results immediately. Encouraged by that, we have now acquired 300 tractors, 60 combine harvesters, 150 threshers, 150 boom sprayers, and 150 ploughs, all complete with implements.
“To manage these efficiently, we have established 60 Service Centers—two in each state constituency—and created the Jigawa State Mechanization Company Limited to operate them professionally. The company tracks all machinery digitally, ensures online booking and payment, and subsidizes services for smallholder farmers.”
Governor Namadi revealed that Jigawa has become a national leader in crop production through its sustained investments in the sector.
“Jigawa is now ranked No. 1 in wheat, sesame, and hibiscus production, and No. 2 in rice—though we’re still contesting that. We expanded rice cultivation from 87,000 hectares to 350,000 hectares, increasing yield from 2.5 to 4 tons per hectare on average, with some farmers producing as high as 8 tons per hectare.”
“These are not projections; they are practical results verified on the ground.”
He added that the award from the NUJ would further inspire his team to achieve more:
“This recognition from the NUJ will strengthen and motivate us to do even more. And I sincerely thank you for deeming it fit to appoint me as Grand Patron of the NUJ in Jigawa — an honour we deeply cherish.”
Appreciating his investiture as Grand Patron of the NUJ Jigawa Council, Governor Namadi described it as a privilege and pointed out the relevance of journalism to governance.
“Journalists play a vital role in governance. You are close to the people; they trust you. When they have issues—lack of water, poor roads, or other challenges—it is often the journalist who amplifies their voice. You also keep us accountable and remind us of the promises we made. That is the essence of democracy.”
Earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended Governor Namadi’s “laudable programs and projects,” especially in agriculture, education, and infrastructure, praising the governor’s focus and results-driven approach in governance.
“Any government that invests in these areas is laying a solid foundation for sustainable progress,” he said.
Yahya added that the NUJ would consider holding its next national meeting in Jigawa so that journalists from across the country can “see the laudable programmes and projects being executed here.”
The event was attended by members of the NUJ National Executive Council, state council chairmen from the Northwest, commissioners, advisers, media executives, and senior government officials.
