After completion of 20-hectare pasture seed plot, NAPRI hands over project to Kano Govt
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, has handed over the 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication plot to Kano State Government after completion of the project at Dudduru village in Gaya local government area of the state.
The handing over ceremony took place today (Tuesday, 24th December, 2024) at Dudduru village where the project was executed.
NAPRI was awarded the contract for the establishment of 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication plot at the village in 2020.
In his address of welcome at a brief handing over ceremony, the Executive Director, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Prof. Muhammad Rabiu Hassan, appreciated Kano State Government and the people of Dudduru village for their cooperation from the beginning to the end of the project.
The Executive Director, who was represented by the institute’s Deputy Director, Dr. Sa’idu Muhammad Tanko, stated that the project was officially handed over to the institute for full commencement of activities on 21st January, 2021.
Also speaking, the NAPRI Team Leader for the project, Dr. Y.M. Ishiaku, disclosed that the project commenced with mobilisation to site and involvement of all stakeholders, including District Heads, Village Heads, Miyetti Allah group, youths, women leaders, vigilante groups, policemen and other community-based security groups.
According to him, all materials purchased for the project were based on specifications and standards given in the bill of quantity and were presented to the satisfaction of the project manager.
Dr. Ishiaku stated that the texture and characteristics of soils, topography and swampiness were considered for readjustment to suit napier grass cultivation.
On the pasture development, the team leader noted that after securing the land by fencing and engagement of four security personnel to provide 24 hours security on the site, the agronomic activities continued with ploughing, harrowing, irrigation of the land, construction of basins, planting and weeding.
He said these activities warranted the institute to engage over 50 casual labourers who worked and received their payments on daily basis.
On his part, Kano State Project Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Garba Mohammed, said the State Government awarded the contract to NAPRI as part of effort to avoid farmers/herders conflicts.
Represented by a Crop Specialist, Abdullahi Raba, the Project Coordinator emphasised that the project was based on the need to continue to promote peace in Kano communities.
NAPRI, according to him, had discharged its responsibility well by completing and handing over the project to them.
He also said they would equally hand over everything to the state government.
In his remarks at the occasion, Livestock Specialist, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), Dr. Saleh Garba, commended NAPRI for delivering the project as expected.
Dr. Saleh said the project if utilised well, will feed cattle not only in Kano State but also in the whole of Northern Nigeria.
The livestock specialist appealed to traditional rulers to ensure good maintenance of the plants for the benefits of generations to come.
The event was attended by NAPRI Management Staff, including Institute Secretary, Malam Lawan Saminu; Finance Officer, Malam Gambo Ibrahim Mukhtar; Programme Leader, Feeds and Nutrition, Dr Sabo Abubakar; and Head, Estate Unit, Malam Ibrahim Musa.
Others present at the occasion included traditional rulers, security personnel and community-based organisations and many others.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. (AHW).
Tuesday, 24th December, 2024.
