By Rabiu Sanusi
Kano State has successfully hosted the North-West Zonal Renewed Hope GEEP 3.0 FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season Media and Sensitization Exercise a strategic programme designed to expand opportunities for small-scale farmers, petty traders and vulnerable groups across the region.
The event attracted top government officials agricultural stakeholders, development partners and community representatives all united in support of the Federal Government drive to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion through its social investment programmes.
The programme began with the registration of participants and the arrival of dignitaries, including commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and the National Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
The formal session opened with prayers and the national anthem.
In her welcome remarks the Director-General of the Kano Social Protection Agency, Hajiya Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi, described the initiative as a vital intervention targeted at improving the lives of vulnerable citizens, especially those living in rural communities.
She stated that the FarmerMoni programme provides access to interest-free loans, encourages entrepreneurship and equips beneficiaries with practical skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and members of the FarmerMoni Technical Working Group, who all stressed the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions and grassroots communities.
They noted that effective collaboration would be key to ensuring the programme reaches deserving beneficiaries and delivers lasting impact in the agricultural and small business sectors.
A major highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation on the GEEP/FarmerMoni scheme, alongside a technical session on small-scale goat rearing presented as a profitable venture capable of generating income and improving household welfare.
Delivering the keynote address, the National Programme Manager, Hon.
Hamza Ibrahim Baba reaffirmed the Federal Government determination to tackle poverty create employment opportunities and strengthen inclusive economic growth through people-focused policies.
The event concluded with remarks on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Abba Danguguwa.
The sensitization exercise ended with a media interaction session, vote of thanks, closing prayer and a group photograph.