The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has expressed strong commendation for Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, over his administration's approval of a ₦28.531 billion Agricultural Empowerment Programme for 2026, describing the initiative as a "landmark intervention" for food security and economic growth.
In a statement released on Tuesday, KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, praised the Governor for his sustained focus on agriculture since taking office in 2019. According to the association, Governor Buni immediately recognized Yobe's potential as an agrarian state upon inauguration, convening an Agricultural Summit and establishing an expert committee led by Professor Abba Gambo.
The group noted that the committee’s recommendations have since shaped policies that have successfully repositioned Yobe as one of Nigeria’s top food-producing states. KACRAN highlighted the administration's consistent increase in budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture, which has facilitated the procurement and distribution of tractors, fertilizers, and solar-powered pumps at subsidized rates.
KACRAN also lauded the appointment of Hon. Ali Mustapha Goniri as Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, characterizing it as a "masterstroke of leadership."
"The appointment of Hon. Goniri reflects Governor Buni’s understanding that policies must be matched with the right people for implementation," Hon. Bello stated. "Hon. Goniri has demonstrated sincerity, accessibility, and total commitment to ensuring that government programs reach farmers and herders at the grassroots."
The association particularly applauded the Governor’s decision to slash tractor hiring fees from ₦100,000 to ₦50,000 per day, a move they argue makes mechanization accessible to smallholder farmers. Given that over 70% of Yobe’s population depends on agriculture, KACRAN noted that the state has become a major supplier of food to other Nigerian states and the Niger Republic.
In return for the government’s support, KACRAN urged farmers in Yobe to reciprocate by increasing production and selling food at affordable rates to ensure the Governor's vision translates to tangible prosperity.
The association called on the Federal Government and other states to emulate Yobe’s model of heavy investment and subsidized inputs to drive national GDP growth.
"Governor Buni’s leadership is proof that with sincerity of purpose and foresight, government can deliver social services to the doorsteps of the people," Hon. Bello concluded. "We pray for continued success for his administration."
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