The First Lady of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumata Bah-Barrow, has commended Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to Benin, for his commitment to advancing food production and self-reliance.
During her recent visit to Buratai’s Tukur and Tukur farms, she admired his dedication to agriculture, livestock, and dairy production.
Expressing her admiration, Mrs. Bah-Barrow stated, “Today, I witnessed a remarkable blend of determination and community spirit. Initially, I saw General Buratai solely in his military role, but today I see a leader with a broader vision.”
The First Lady highlighted the importance of Buratai’s integrated farm, which promotes sustainable living while empowering local communities. She envisioned a future where similar initiatives across Africa could reduce hunger and foster unity. She also suggested using The Gambia as a pilot project, given its smaller size and population, to showcase the potential of self-sustaining agricultural practices.
Mrs. Bah-Barrow extended an invitation to Buratai to share his insights through a lecture, focusing on practical agricultural applications, especially within army camps.
In response, Buratai, who also holds traditional titles in Nigeria, reflected on his journey, noting that his passion for agriculture began early in his military career. He has maintained a strong focus on agricultural initiatives, including the establishment of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches, which has become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
The visit concluded with a tour of the farm’s facilities, which include poultry, greenhouses, and production lines for bakery products, bottled water, and the popular Arwasky yogurt. Mrs. Bah-Barrow was joined by Gambian officials, who also praised the farm’s contributions to sustainable agriculture and local development.
