Maiduguri — The Borno State government has concluded arrangements to create jobs for youths through the implementation of FADAMA111 programme and the ongoing food security intervention scheme across the state.

Permanent Secretary in Borno State Agricultural Development Programme (BOSADP), Alhaji Sani Maidugu, in an interview with our correspondent yesterday said the present administration is giving priority to the agriculture sector through the payment of all outstanding counterpart funds of collaborative national and international agencies.

Maidugu, who is also the alternate chairman of FADAMA111, said the initial food security programme centres were sited in Baga, Biu and Mafa, adding that seven new centers in Nganzai, Magumeri, Jere, Maiduguri Metropolis, Chibok and Shani council areas, have been created.

He said the state government last year released millions of naira which were distributed as interest free loans to farmers under the "food security assistance funds", adding that the gesture has not only encouraged the farmers, but also enhanced their economic fortunes.

He said the Fadama project has become a veritable instrument for income generation and entrepreneurship promotion.