The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Gombe State, Khamisu Mailantarki says he will transform agriculture to make the state hub of agribusiness, if elected in 2023.
He stated this in an interview in Gombe on Saturday.
Mailantarki said he was contesting to “do the right thing in governance, bring positive and sustainable change to improve the wellbeing of Gombe citizens.”
According to him, the strength of Gombe lies in agriculture, and harnessing the state’s potentials to help address the challenge of unemployment, poverty and low income for the state will be his priority.
The governorship hopeful said the state had great potential in crop and livestock productions which would help diversify the economy and make it financially viable to execute massive developmental projects.
“We have water bodies like the Dadin Kowa and Balanga dams which can be used for massive fish production and for dry season farming.
“I have one of the largest fish farms in Abuja producing over 10,000 tones weekly, and we will soon make it 30,000. So, we have a blueprint in that regard.
“We will support our farmers with fertilizers and soft loans to make farming less a burden for them and empower more women who are active members in food security effort in the country”.
Mailantarki said without processing, the state may not have good returns on investment in the agricultural sector, hence, “we will harness the value chain by providing crop processing and storage facilities.
“This will help farmers to reduce post-harvest losses, boost their incomes and eradicate poverty amongst rural dwellers in the state”.
He said the NNPP had provided a better alternative for potential voters ahead of the 2023 poll as against the usual two-party structure in the state.
“I am here to serve and I assure the good people of Gombe State irrespective of religion, tribe and ethnicity that their interest will be better protected under my leadership,” he said.
