By Usman Usman Garba
In a renewed effort to transform the agricultural sector in Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has presented employment letters to 1,038 newly recruited agricultural extension agents and support staff under the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA).
The ceremony, held on Monday at the Coronation Hall of the Government House, Kano, marked a major stride in the state government’s drive to strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods through modern farming practices.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the extension workers are expected to facilitate sustainable farming techniques, provide advisory services to farmers, and serve as critical links between government policies and rural communities.
Addressing the new employees, Governor Yusuf urged them to approach their duties with diligence, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.
“You must shun absenteeism, laziness, misconduct, and all forms of corruption. As frontline ambassadors of agricultural transformation, your commitment will determine the success of our mission to revitalize farming across the state,” the governor warned.
He described the recruits as “change agents” who would drive innovation in agriculture by guiding farmers on improved practices, linking them to improved inputs, and strengthening cooperative systems.
“While Kano continues to lead in the number of extension workers nationwide, we found it necessary to further increase our workforce to reposition KNARDA under the Ministry of Agriculture,” he added.
Governor Yusuf also commended the efforts of the State Ministry of Agriculture, KNARDA, the Civil Service Commission, and other relevant stakeholders for facilitating the recruitment process.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, said the decision to employ more extension staff was aimed at improving food production and boosting farmers’ incomes.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Kano State Civil Service Commission, Hajiya Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, described the mass employment as a bold move to strengthen the state’s agricultural workforce.
One of the beneficiaries, Saminu Sani Garba, who spoke on behalf of the recruits, thanked the governor for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to supporting the administration’s agricultural vision.
