Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appointed the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong as Chairman Senate Committee on Agricultural Institutions.
According to a statement signed by Senator Lalong Media Adviser Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the appointment was sequelled the minor reshuffment at the red chamber on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the former Plateau State Governor brings wide experience into the 10th Senate, particularly with his appointment to head the Senate Committee on Agricultural Institutions at a time when Nigeria is working assiduously towards achieving food sufficiency and food security.
It further pointed out that apart from his passion for agriculture as a practicing farmer, Lalong has a track record of performance in the agricultural sector during his term as Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly and two term Governor where he initiated and implemented several projects to assist farmers.
The statement added that Lalong consistently procured and distributed fertilizers, chemicals, seedlings and other farming inputs and machinery to farmers on the Plateau.
Lalong also ensured the revival of the Plateau State College of Agriculture in Garkawa leading to its first convocation in over a decade.
He partnered with the Federal Government to entrench wheat production in Plateau State and the African Development Bank to boost potato and vegetable farming, which are synonymous with the State.
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It added that he also created the Faculty of Agriculture at the Plateau State University Bokkos and worked for the take-off of the Federal Polytechnic Nyak, Shendam, which focuses on agricultural development, research, and agro-processing.
The former Governor was also instrumental to efforts at finding lasting solutions to the lingering attacks on farmers and herders which have disrupted the food production chain of the nation.
As Governor, he was responsible for establishing ranches in Plateau State under the National Livestock Transformation Programme. His administration also initiated the anti-land Grabbing Bill, which was signed into law.
