Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani says the state made history by carrying out the largest free fertilizer distribution in Nigeria.

Sani said this at the ongoing Women Economic Empowerment Summit on Friday, November 22, 2024.

The governor said he “approved the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer, out of which 240,000 bags have been distributed free to 120,000 smallholder farmers.”

He stated that revitalisation of the agricultural sector is one of the key priorities of his administration, saying the Kaduna State Government has recorded positive outcomes.

Sani noted: “Because of the critical role that women play in agriculture, especially in smallholder farming, we have been specifically targeting them in our agricultural empowerment programmes.

“Under the remarkable palliative program, Sustainable Livelihoods Through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment, the Get Back to Farm initiative (A Koma Gona) has breathed new life into our agricultural sector.

“We distributed vital inputs – high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment – to 41,693 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across all 23 LGAs.”

Sani further described the initiative as “a game-changer for our farmers, restoring their livelihoods and driving increased productivity across Kaduna State.”

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“We have also recorded notable achievements in our Social Investment Programmes. 65,848 women, out of the total 70,051, benefitted from our Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme,” the governor disclosed.

He added that his administration has ramped up the implementation of the Kaduna State Women Economic Empowerment Funds, saying KADSWEF is a unique annual support initiative that provides access to financial resources for women.

“We provided the sum of N200 million in the 2024 Budget for this Fund. So far, 10,786 women have benefitted from this Fund. Government is set to flag – off the 4.0 tranche distribution to more beneficiaries with women drawn from across women cooperative groups and associations,” Sani said.

Governor Sani said over 120 women and adolescent girls have been equipped with various Vocational and Entrepreneurship Development Skills.

He explained that his administration has been investing in women “because doing so is investing in not just in the economy but the future of Kaduna State”.

The governor added that the government “is set to intensify efforts in strategic areas towards improving the state’s economic landscape.”

The Star