The senator representing Kwara central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Malam Saliu Mustapha, has sponsored five bills within six months in office to strengthen the nation's financial sector and advance the use of technology in agriculture to enhance food productivity and security in the country.

The bills included National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 which seeks to develop the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security and income through marketing and storage services, Donkey Slaughter Regulation and Export Certificate Bill, 2023 and National Agricultural Land Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Others were Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill, 2023 which seeks to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the mandatory inclusion of cassava flour into edible flour production in Nigeria and Electronics Transaction Bill 2023, which aims at offering legal and regulatory framework for conducting transactions using electronic or related media.

The chief of staff to the senator, Alh Tunji Buhari, disclosed this during an interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, Kwara State's capital.

Buhari explained that the Senator, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, was passionate about agriculture sector with its contribution of 23 percent to the GDP of the country in the third quarter of 2023.

He noted that agricultural sector could become the backbone of the nation's economy if it is adequately harnessed with the right technology.

Buhari also disclosed that over 2000 solar power streetlights were installed across the 52 wards of Kwara central senatorial district, while two solar powered motorised boreholes were provided at Kankatu, Ibagun Ward of Ilorin East and Jato Community in Ifesowapo of Ilorin South Local Government.

“Over 2000 solar power street lights have been distributed across the 52 wards of the senatorial district. There is no ward of the four LGAs that don't have the solar panels. The essence is to enhance security in the respective localities. Others were distributed to major assemblies to enhance social interactions.

As part of measures to cushion the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, Buhari said Senator Mustapha rolled out palliatives to complement the Kwara State Government's efforts to reduce the hardship amongst residents of the state with the provision of 10,000 bags of rice and 2,800 live chickens for Christian brethren, less privileged in the society, party faithful and communities for them to have a joyous celebration during the festive period.

“Having realised the tough times the people are facing as a result of subsidy removal from PMS, the distinguished Senator decided to support the efforts of Governor AbdulAbdulRazaq-led administration by providing multi- million naira palliative support, which comprises thousands of bags of rice, chickens and other food items for the constituents.

“Apart from these items, he also provided cash donation to some individuals and less privileged individuals to enable them have joyous festive period”, Buhari said.