The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, has appealed to the Federal Government to revive Baro Inland Port and revitalise agriculture to guarantee national food security.

Abubakar, who is also the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the call at a Colloquium on Agriculture on Saturday in Abuja.

The event with the theme, “Food and the Nation,” was organised to mark the emir’s 21^st anniversary on the throne, his 72^nd birthday and the launch of Endowment Fund for Etsu Yahaya Foundation.

The emir stressed the need for the government to harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in Niger State, using the youth as active participants in farming.

He also advocated urgent measures to curb the insecurity across the country to allow farmers return to farm for agricultural activities to flourish.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with enormous agricultural resources that can significantly boost Gross Domestic Product if properly harnessed.

He stated, “I urge our youths to embrace farming, because there is everything good in this country. Our youths have no reason to travel abroad in search of greener pastures. May I also use this medium to call on President Bola Tinubu to make full actualisation of Baro Inland Port a major priority in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. This is to unlock the vast economic potential of northern states and the entire nation. I am sure that the Niger State governor is also mobilising investors and development partners to ensure that Baro Port becomes a reality under his new major agenda. We must not forget that Baro Port has historical significance because it is regarded as one of the earliest settlements for the Colonial Governor-General, Lord Frederick Lugard, in 1912.’’

Mr Abubakar explained that the town remained a huge tourism potential that would be of benefit to government revenue drive.

“So let us pay more attention and fully harness the potential of Baro Port for socio-economic transformation of the state and the nation in general,” he said.

The monarch advocated a constitutional role for traditional rulers in governance being critical stakeholders in bridging the gap between the government and the people.

Speaking on the Etsu Yahaya Foundation endowment fund launch, Mr Abubakar said the foundation would support education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

“This foundation is my legacy to humanity, I pray it outlives me and continues to serve our people,” he said.

The emir expressed gratitude to his people for their support and cooperation throughout his 21-year reign and prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Nigeria.

The event was attended by high-profile figures, including representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, former ministers, military leaders, and lawmakers among others. 

(NAN)