Agriculture
SWOFON and Hope for the Lonely Urge Government to Support Women Farmers in Gombe

By Our Correspondent
The Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), Gombe State chapter, is poised to benefit from the dividends of democracy in the agriculture sector, according to the Gombe State Commissioner of Agriculture. Represented by Mr. Jonathan Bulus from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Commissioner made the remark during a meeting organized by SWOFON in collaboration with Hope for the Lonely, a non-governmental organization, to discuss the 2025 budget allocation for agriculture in Gombe State.
Mr. Bulus, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, praised the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for its dedication to boosting agriculture in the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with SWOFON to improve agricultural practices and outcomes, particularly for women farmers.
He called on SWOFON members to continue supporting the government’s policies and programs, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve agricultural goals. “The leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is doing everything possible to enhance the agriculture sector in Gombe State. We are committed to working with SWOFON to ensure that women farmers benefit from these efforts,” Bulus said.
Also present at the event was Malam Auwal Abduljalal Dukku, who represented the Chairman of the Gombe State House of Assembly’s Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Aliyu Baba Manu. Dukku assured the gathering that the House of Assembly is ready to make necessary adjustments to the budget, particularly where the agriculture sector is concerned. He encouraged SWOFON to continue advocating for their needs, expressing optimism that women farmers will soon have full access to the budgetary allocations intended for them.
In his remarks, Mr. Alim Gideon Maisamari, Senior Budget Officer from the Ministry of Budget and Planning, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized that the government is committed to transparency in the budgeting process. He noted that the ministry continues to work closely with various government departments to ensure that the budget is effectively allocated. “Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya will continue supporting women farmers in Gombe, and we hope that one day they will be recognized as champions in the global agricultural sector,” Maisamari said.
Mrs. Serah Yafowa, Chairperson of the Hope for the Lonely Foundation, appealed to the state government to grant SWOFON access to their budgetary allocations. She commended Governor Yahaya for prioritizing agriculture but stressed that more needs to be done to empower women farmers. “Allowing SWOFON to access their budget will greatly enhance the agricultural contributions of women in Gombe,” Yafowa said.
In her address, SWOFON Gombe State Chairperson, Mrs. Erudia Mamman, expressed her gratitude to the state government for including SWOFON in the 2025 budget. She reiterated the organization’s commitment to advancing agriculture in Gombe through the active participation of women farmers across all 11 local government areas (LGAs). “We are working tirelessly to take Gombe to greater heights in agriculture, and we appreciate the government’s support so far,” Mamman stated.
The event, which drew participants from all 11 LGAs in Gombe, highlighted the importance of empowering women farmers and ensuring that they have access to necessary resources and support from the government.
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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