Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed N400 million to 10 community interest groups in an effort to enhance agribusiness and boost food security in the state and across Nigeria.
The disbursement, facilitated under the Kano Agro-Climatic Resilience Landscape (ACReSAL) initiative in collaboration with the World Bank, was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The event took place at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, where the funds were handed over to the selected groups from four Local Government Areas of the state.
Each of the 10 groups received N40 million ($25,000) as a revolving fund to support agricultural value chain businesses, with individual members expected to receive at least N1 million as start-up capital. Governor Yusuf urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds judiciously to ensure the sustainability of the programme and enable other youths in the state to benefit.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the initiative aims to register community interest groups and farmers’ cooperatives in selected areas for climatic resilience businesses. By supporting young people in agribusiness, the state government hopes to curb unemployment, increase food production, and enhance economic stability.
“This programme is designed to create opportunities for our young generation to engage in agribusiness, making them self-sufficient while contributing to the nation’s food security,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He further highlighted the success of the ACReSAL initiative in addressing environmental challenges in the state, pledging to expand its impact through additional strategic programmes.
Governor Yusuf tasked the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, with developing more strategic programmes to promote environmental sustainability. Dr. Hashim, who previously coordinated ACReSAL, reassured the beneficiaries of continued state support and encouraged them to maximize the potential of the revolving fund.
He also disclosed that other international donor agencies were ready to support Kano State’s agribusiness development, provided that the current project succeeded.
The National Coordinator of ACReSAL, Alhaji Abdulhamid Umar, lauded the Kano State Government for its strong commitment to youth empowerment and agribusiness development. He praised the partnership between the state and the World Bank, emphasizing that such collaborations are key to eradicating youth redundancy and promoting sustainable economic growth.
With this initiative, the Kano State Government is taking significant strides toward strengthening the agricultural value chain, tackling food insecurity, and addressing environmental concerns. The success of the programme will not only uplift young agripreneurs but also attract further support from international organizations.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural and economic transformation, ensuring that Kano remains a leading player in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
