By Mohammed Kandi
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, yesterday welcomed Asma’u Ahmed, the new Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development in the ministry.
Dr. Adesina, who expressed delight over Ahmed’s appointment, also said his confidence in the new minister of State comes from his knowledge of her as Special Adviser on Investment to the Executive Governor of Niger State before her current appointment.
Dr. Adesinare also said Mrs. Ahmed’s wealth of experience in business and investment was necessary for on-going transformation in the ministry, especially “at a time when Nigeria earnestly yearns to run agriculture as business.”
He also informed that a lot of mileage has been gained in forging a strong partnership with agribusinesses in and outside Nigeria, as well as with UNICEF.
According to him, “we are making effort to set up production facilities to make the country a hub for high energy foods for local consumption and for export, he has no doubt that Mrs. Ahmed has come to the Ministry at the right moment.”
Dr. Adesina also said that since Mrs. Ahmed comes from a State government and knew how the State establishment works, she would serve as a “lunch pin” in strengthening the partnership between the Federal and State governments to drive the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
Responding, the new minister said she had met with Dr. Adesina earlier during his tour of Niger State a few months ago.
She also acknowledged his passion for running agriculture as business, and called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s quest to achieve food security for Nigerians, as well as create jobs and wealth through agriculture.
