•Farm to generate N1.1 million daily, N400 million annually •Incubation centre to produce 250,000 noilers annually.

The President of Nigerian Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has commissioned an integrated farm estate in Yobe State built by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA). The farm estate which houses 10 poultry pens that contain 30,000 old layers and an incubation centre is sitting on 20 hectares of land, and is expected to produce about 250,000 noilers annually for sales. Located at Gasamu, Jakusko Local Government in Yobe State, the farm estate has 30 youths, who are the beneficiaries, to manage the birds in a one person to 1000 birds. Speaking at the commissioning during the weekend, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, said:” we are here today for the commissioning of this 30,000 bird capacity farm estate which is specially made to produce noilers. This centre is like a reproduction centre that will be producing our locally improved birds that will be distributed across the country in order to encourage our local breeds and maintain our old stocks.”

He stated that the farm estate, which commenced production immediately, is expected to generate N1.1 million daily from sales of birds alone and N400 million annually for the farmers. He explained that the incubation centre will produce the parent stock which will lay eggs the production of day old noilers for sales, with the production capacity of 250,000 annually. While the 30,000 birds will be used for egg and meat production for the 30 benefiting farmers.

“The youths from this immediate community are the first set of beneficiaries which we believe will engage them meaningfully as they will be making their money from this centre. We believe that it will reduce unemployment and this community has been enjoying peaceful coexistence within themselves, that this farm will increase that peace within them. I want to thank the host community, especially the President of the Senate for his support and the Governor of the state for providing us the enabling environment to see that the desire of Mr President is achieved. NALDA integrated farm estates are meant to empower the community, to develop the land within the community, empower the youth, create employment and reduce hunger in our land”,the ES of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, added.

On the sustainability of the farm estate, the NALDA boss, Prince Paul Ikonne, stated that the Authority has engaged Prime Farm to manage the farm estate, while Jaiz Bank and other banks will be its financial partner.

The President of the Senate, Senator Lawan while commissioning the farm estate, said it will produce chicks for sales and distribution across the country. “So it means it is a special bird, anyone who wants our type of chicks will get it from here, it means there will be a lot of trading and marketing between this Gasamu Farm Centre and all parts of Nigeria.” The Senate President expressed optimism that the farm estate will project the name of the community, and cause the establishment of poultries around the Local Government and the State. While
commending President Buhari for the approval of the project, Senator Lawan appealed to NALDA to increase the production capacity of the poultry, stating that the 250,000 chicks annually may not be enough for the community alone.

The Governor of Yobe State, Mai-Mala Buni in his address, said the project is the first of its kind in the State. Governor Buni, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Wali, urged NALDA and the beneficiaries to ensure success of the centre in line with the state’s objective of introducing new ideas for effective production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar, stated that the project is a fulfilment of the aspiration and promise of President Buhari. The Minister who was represented by the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Sharubutu mni, assured the Senate President of the commitment of the
Ministry to partner with him and NALDA in order to improve the livelihood of rural communities.