Business
Kebbi Farmers Poised To Access Agric Loans
Farmers in Kebbi will benefit from the N1 billion loan being disbursed by the Federal Government under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).
Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, the state Deputy Governor, disclosed this on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi at the opening of a workshop for management staff of the scheme from the state and local governments.
He said the government had fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to access the facility.
He expressed the hope that the loan would help the state boost production crops, livestock and fisheries, adding that it would also guarantee food security for the state.
According to Aliyu, judicious use of the facility by farmers will help to create employment, diversify the revenue base and attract foreign exchange.
The deputy governor gave assurance that the disbursement and utilisation of the loan would be effectively monitored by the government.
“We will not tolerate misappropriation of the loan and stakeholders must ensure prudent utilisation,” he warned.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sidi Bawa the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the workshop was organised to sensitise management staff of the scheme to collate, monitor and evaluate performance.
“Participants will be trained on prompt response to issues and challenges facing farmers’ associations and the communities at the state and local government levels”, he said.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.