Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Federal Government for its intervention in the Kafinchiri Irrigation Project, describing the initiative as a significant step towards boosting dry-season farming and improving the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in the state.
The Governor made the commendation while, alongside Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, inspecting sections of the irrigation development works being undertaken through the intervention of the Federal and Kano State Governments at the Kafinchiri Dam on Friday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, in Kano on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf said the completion of the project would enable thousands of farmers to benefit from year-round agricultural activities, thereby enhancing food production, creating economic opportunities and strengthening the livelihoods of farming communities.
He urged the contractor handling the project to intensify efforts to ensure quality execution and complete the work within the stipulated timeframe.
Governor Yusuf stressed the importance of delivering a durable project that would meet the needs of the benefiting communities.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its intervention, noting that the project would complement the efforts of his administration towards expanding irrigation farming and promoting sustainable agricultural development across Kano State.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with the organizations and relevant stakeholders to expand irrigation infrastructure and create an enabling environment for farmers to contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development in Kano State.
Earlier, Senator Kawu Sumaila explained that the Kafinchiri Dam was constructed in 1976 for irrigation purposes but had not been adequately utilised to achieve its full potential over the years.
He said the Kafinchiri Dam is among three dams selected for rehabilitation and irrigation development through funding from the Ecological Project Office, aimed at enhancing agricultural production and stimulating the economic development of communities within the benefiting areas.
Senator Kawu Sumaila noted that the rehabilitation of the dam would unlock its agricultural potential and provide farmers with greater opportunities for dry-season farming in the benefitting communities and beyond.