Agriculture
Mai Kaltungo, Launches Modern Cassava Plantation Techniques, Calls for Investment in Indigenous Communities

By Abubakar Abdullahi
In a landmark event aimed at combating hunger and boosting agricultural productivity, Engineer Saleh Muhammad Umar, the Mai Kaltungo and Deputy Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, officially flagged off a new cassava plantation initiative in the Ture Balam community, Kaltungo Local Government Area (LGA). The launch, which took place on on Tuesday, was attended by local farmers, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents.
Mai Kaltungo highlighted the critical role of cassava farming in addressing food security challenges. “Cassava is a resilient crop that can thrive without the need for expensive fertilizers, making it an ideal solution in our efforts to fight hunger and ensure food security,” stated Engineer Saleh Muhammad Umar. He personally demonstrated the new planting techniques to the community, emphasizing their simplicity and effectiveness in increasing yield and improving the quality of the harvest.
The Emir called on the people to actively engage in cassava farming, noting its economic benefits and resilience against the rising cost of fertilizers. “In these times of economic challenges and high fertilizer prices, cassava farming offers a sustainable and cost-effective option for our farmers,” he added.
During the event, several community members expressed their gratitude and shared their perspectives on the initiative. Buba Dala, a local farmer, praised the Emir’s efforts, stating, “This initiative by Mai Kaltungo is a blessing. It will help us improve our farming practices and increase our productivity.” Abdullahi Baba echoed similar sentiments, noting the potential for economic growth, “Cassava farming can transform our community by creating jobs and enhancing our livelihoods.”
Rashida Lewi, another resident, highlighted the importance of the Emir’s educational approach, “The hands-on training provided by Mai Kaltungo is invaluable. It empowers us with the knowledge we need to succeed in cassava farming.” Retired Reverend Tukur Fika also commended the initiative, saying, “This effort demonstrates true leadership and a commitment to the well-being of our community. We are grateful for the Emir’s support and vision.”
The launch event concluded with a demonstration of the new planting techniques, which include methods for optimizing soil fertility and water use without relying on chemical fertilizers. Informational materials were distributed to farmers to aid in the adoption of these practices.
This initiative by Engineer Saleh Muhammad Umar, the Mai Kaltungo, marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and economic development in Ture Balam and the wider Kaltungo LGA. By empowering local farmers with innovative techniques and encouraging community engagement, the Emir is paving the way for a more prosperous and food-secure future for the Area.
Agriculture
Inuwa Yahaya Launches Subsidised Fertiliser Sales to Boost 2025 Wet Season Farming in Gombe

By Our Correspondent
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has officially flagged off the sales of fertiliser for the 2025 wet farming season, as part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and support farmers across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya revealed that the state government had procured a total of 10,000 tonnes of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser at the cost of ₦44,000 per bag, but will be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of ₦27,000 per bag. This, he said, is aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers and ensuring access to essential agricultural inputs.
The Governor stressed that timely access to fertiliser is crucial for increasing crop yields, strengthening food security, and driving economic growth in the state.
He directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, in collaboration with security agencies, to strictly monitor the sales and distribution process in order to prevent diversion and ensure the fertilisers reach the intended grassroots beneficiaries.
Governor Inuwa also appealed to farmers to respect designated grazing reserves and cattle routes. He advised herders to avoid grazing on farmlands before harvest, in order to prevent conflicts and safeguard crops.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Barnabas Malle, commended Governor Yahaya for his agricultural development strides, particularly the establishment of the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone. According to him, the zone hosts strategic facilities including an ultra-modern abattoir, an international livestock market, an international grains market, and an inland dry port, among others.
Commissioner Malle also appealed to local government chairmen and stakeholders to cooperate with ministry officials to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the fertiliser distribution exercise.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, acknowledged the pivotal role of the Gombe State Government in ensuring timely and affordable access to quality farm inputs. He praised the administration’s sustained commitment to agricultural development, noting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Agricultural Transformation Initiative.
Agriculture
Obasanjo Flags Off Premier Seed’s Tech-Driven Factory in Gombe, Backs Agro-Industrial Growth

By Our Correspondent
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have jointly commissioned a state-of-the-art seed processing factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.
The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging climate-resilient seed varieties, and is poised to transform the seed supply system across Nigeria. It is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support the country’s climate adaptation efforts.
Speaking at the event, former President Obasanjo described the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as a game-changer for sustainable economic development. He lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s visionary leadership, emphasizing that access to quality seeds is critical for a successful agricultural value chain.
He also noted the strategic advantage of the Industrial Park’s proximity to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant and commended Premier Seed for deploying world-class machinery.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed delight at the commissioning of the facility, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.
He noted that Premier Seed’s investment reflects growing investor confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which already hosts essential infrastructure such as paved roads, power supply, potable water, and high-speed internet connectivity.
The governor also spotlighted complementary initiatives, including the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone and the proposed International Grains and Livestock Market, aimed at positioning Gombe as a leading agro-economic hub in Nigeria.
Premier Seed’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, acknowledged the support of the UK-funded Propcom+ programme in realizing the project.
Propcom+’s Country Representative Dr. Adiya Ode emphasized that the factory aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security drive and Gombe State’s ambitious transformation vision.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, commended the initiative and pledged the Council’s commitment to ensuring that seed quality standards are strictly maintained.
Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that over ₦22 billion has been invested in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to date, with 85% of infrastructure already completed. He noted that Gombe is now strategically positioned to attract top-tier investors and become a hub for agribusiness innovation.
Agriculture
Obasanjo Flags Off Premier Seed’s Tech-Driven Factory in Gombe, Backs Agro-Industrial Growth

By Our Correspondent
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have jointly commissioned a state-of-the-art seed processing factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.
The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging climate-resilient seed varieties, and is poised to transform the seed supply system across Nigeria. It is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support the country’s climate adaptation efforts.
Speaking at the event, former President Obasanjo described the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as a game-changer for sustainable economic development. He lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s visionary leadership, emphasizing that access to quality seeds is critical for a successful agricultural value chain.
He also noted the strategic advantage of the Industrial Park’s proximity to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant and commended Premier Seed for deploying world-class machinery.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed delight at the commissioning of the facility, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.
He noted that Premier Seed’s investment reflects growing investor confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which already hosts essential infrastructure such as paved roads, power supply, potable water, and high-speed internet connectivity.
The governor also spotlighted complementary initiatives, including the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone and the proposed International Grains and Livestock Market, aimed at positioning Gombe as a leading agro-economic hub in Nigeria.
Premier Seed’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, acknowledged the support of the UK-funded Propcom+ programme in realizing the project.
Dr. Abiye Ode of Propcom+ emphasized that the factory aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security drive and Gombe State’s ambitious transformation vision.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, commended the initiative and pledged the Council’s commitment to ensuring that seed quality standards are strictly maintained.
Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that over ₦22 billion has been invested in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to date, with 85% of infrastructure already completed. He noted that Gombe is now strategically positioned to attract top-tier investors and become a hub for agribusiness innovation.
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