Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said President Bola Tinubu’sintervention in the north, has reduced the level of poverty in the region.
According to him, no government had invested in the agricultural sector like the president in the last two years.
The governor stated this at the distribution of presidential palliative relief materials at the Umaru Yar’ádua Conference Centre, Kaduna on Sunday.
“The poverty level in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, was hovering around 65 per cent to 70 per cent. But in the last two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made very important interventions.
“We are not just talking about palliatives. We are talking about deep, structural support. No president has supported agriculture development like President Tinubu.
“We’ve received fertilizer support, funding for smallholder farmers, and billions in monetary support irrespective of party affiliations. These interventions have addressed infrastructure deficit, job creation, and poverty reduction.”
He called on Nigerians to support the president’s grassroots development agenda at all levels of government, noting that the battle against poverty and unemployment could not be won without full autonomy for local governments.
The governor said further that Tinubu’s understanding of the challenges of sub nationals has led to the initiation of critical interventions aimed at uplifting the poor, especially in northern Nigeria.
He stressed that for the gains to be sustained, local governments must be empowered.
“Without allowing Local Governments autonomy, we cannot address poverty or employment in Nigeria. All the 23 local government chairmen in Kaduna are here today. You are the real drivers of this initiative,” Sani said.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to agriculture, the governor said the sector contributed about 43 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and employed around 60 per cent of the workforce.
He added that , “In Kaduna State we, are fighting poverty through agriculture. We want to remain the agricultural hub of Nigeria.’’
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, commended the President for his “Renewed Hope” agenda and the courage in implementing tough but necessary reforms.
“The president thinks, breathes, and works for Nigeria. He’s confronting our realities without blame. Today, our global ratings have improved, and bold measures are turning the country in the right direction,” Bagudu said.
Speaking on behalf of the President, his political adviser, Ibrahim Masari, reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.
Masari announced the distribution of over 12,000 bags of rice in Kaduna State as part of a nationwide relief initiative.
“This initiative is a demonstration of the president’s empathy and proactive approach to improving lives. The equitable distribution covers all 255 wards in Kaduna State,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders, including community leaders and volunteers, to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process.