Governor Mohammed Bago, the governor of Niger State Government has announced plans to establish a fruit market in Minna, in order to strengthen agriculture, create jobs, and combat poverty in both rural and urban communities.
This news was revealed in a meeting held by Governor Mohammed Bago at the Government House in Minna with members of the Niger State Fruit Sellers Association.
He described the upcoming market as an initiative that will improve the agricultural sector in Niger State.
The market will help fruit farmers and sellers get better access to customers, improve storage, transportation, and sales of fresh produce and generate new jobs and boost local income.
“The fruit market will catalyse agricultural development,” the governor said, reaffirming his dedication to making agriculture a central part of the state’s economy.
The Fruit Sellers Association gifted 3,000 orange seedlings to Governor Bago to be planted on his farm.
The governor thanked the association and stated that the seedlings will make a significant contribution to the state’s economy.
“These seedlings will significantly contribute to the state’s economic growth and development,” he said.
Governor Bago also used the occasion to encourage more citizens to engage in farming, emphasising its potential as a sustainable source of income.
Salisu Muhd, Chairman of the Niger State Fruit Sellers Association, led the visit to express appreciation for the governor’s strong support for agriculture and their businesses.
“We appreciate the governor’s efforts, particularly in agricultural mechanisation and his ongoing support for the association,” Muhd stated.
He added that members of the association are excited to visit the governor’s farm soon to help plant the seedlings, a show of solidarity and partnership in building up fruit production in the state.
The proposed fruit market aligns with Niger State’s agricultural roadmap, supports food security by improving fruit supply chains, lifts smallholder farmers and sellers out of poverty and encourages youth participation in agriculture.
