In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda and efforts to promote livestock ranching and sustainable farming in Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has deployed a high-powered delegation to Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State to assess land allocated for the commencement of Defence Farm Projects.
The delegation was led by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Andace, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Olufemi Oluyede, and was received by the Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Hamisu Mohammed Anani (ALGON).
The visit focused on the assessment of 30,000 hectares of land allocated to Defence Headquarters Limited (DHCL) at the Wase Grazing Reserve, Dam 13, Nasarawa Village. The land was provided by the Plateau State Government in collaboration with the Wase Local Government Council for the establishment of livestock ranching and farming projects to be managed by the Nigerian Army.
The delegation began its activities with a visit to the Wase Agricultural Heritage Resort, a major agricultural and tourism facility developed by Brigadier General J.B. Adams of the Nigerian Army, an indigene of Wase LGA. Brig. Gen. Adams personally conducted the delegation and the Executive Chairman on a tour of the resort.
Hon. Dr. Hamisu Anani praised Brig. Gen. Adams for the impactful initiative and urged other sons and daughters of Wase to invest in projects that contribute to local economic development. He assured that the Wase Local Government Council would continue to support initiatives capable of attracting national and international attention.
The Defence delegation later paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Wase, His Royal Highness Dr. Mohammed Sambo Haruna, where they received royal blessings. The Emir expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Nigerian Armed Forces for selecting Wase for the strategic project.
He noted that the Nigerian Army has helped reduce insecurity nationwide and said the people of Wase appreciate the initiative. He added that Plateau State, with local and emirate councils, has allocated an additional 30,000 hectares to support the project.
Emphasizing the vast size of the grazing reserve, which he said is larger than some local government areas in Plateau State, the Emir assured Defence Headquarters of total cooperation, stating, “If the project succeeds, Wase succeeds.”
He also commended the Sector Commander in Wase for restoring peace and unity in the area and appealed to the Nigerian Army to provide adequate manpower and logistics to sustain security gains.
In his response, Hon. Dr. Hamisu Mohammed Anani welcomed AVM Andace and his team and expressed confidence that the assessment visit would produce positive outcomes. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Wase Local Government Council to collaborate fully with the Nigerian Army to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the Defence Farm Projects.
The visit featured briefings on the activities of the Wase Grazing Reserve, inspection of proposed farm sites, presentation of souvenirs, and a commemorative group photograph. The Executive Chairman personally led the delegation on a guided tour of the grazing reserve.
Among the dignitaries present were the Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development and the Liaison Director for Security Agencies to the Plateau State Government, Hon. Chrysanthus Ziphion, alongside other key stakeholders.
