In an effort to boost the Agriculture sector, President Bola Tinubu has distributed 1,200 bags of fertilizer to each senator and 600 bags to members of the House of Representatives.
The distribution is aimed at targeting local farmers through their lawmakers in the national assembly to boost agricultural production for food security.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele made this known on Monday, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a public ceremony where he personally distributed 5,000 bags of fertilizer to local farmers.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, praised the president’s vision to not only provide short-term relief but also invest in the long-term development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“President Tinubu, as part of his short-term effort to make life more meaningful for the people, has emphasized the need to go beyond distributing foodstuffs like rice, and instead focus on deeper, sustainable investments in agriculture,” Bamidele explained. “To this end, the president has made 1,200 bags of fertilizer available to every senator across the country, as well as 600 bags to each member of the House of Representatives.”
Bamidele also added that this initiative is strictly meant to benefit farmers, urging recipients not to see the fertilizer as a political handout but as a tool to enhance food security in their regions.
“This is not a political gesture; it is not for party members or any other individuals outside of the farming community. These bags are intended for farmers who can use them to improve their productivity and contribute to the country’s food supply,” he added.
The senate leader also revealed that he sourced additional funds to increase his district’s share to 5,000 bags. “I felt that 1,200 bags would not be enough to meet the needs of farmers in Ekiti Central, so I personally secured additional resources to raise the total to 5,000 bags,” he said.
He also warned to the beneficiaries against selling the fertilizer, stressing that it is meant for farming use only. “If you’re not a farmer or have no intention of using the fertilizer, do not collect it. The government is serious about encouraging everyone to engage in farming and providing the necessary support to those who do,” Bamidele cautioned.
