GATSIBO - The Minister in the President’s Office, Venantie Tugireyezu, yesterday handed over a vehicle donated by President Paul Kagame, to a model farmer in Gatsibo District.

Apollo Rutagarama, received the brand new Toyota double cabin pick-up worth Rwf 29 million for his outstanding performance in farming.

The President pledged the vehicle when he toured the Eastern Province in May last year.

Rutagarama’s farm covers over 20 hectares where he rears Freisian cows, and cultivates bananas and pineapples.

Courtesy of his successful venture, Rutagarama has passed on cows to over 90 poor residents in his area and trained his neighbours in modern farming technics. 

Excited Gitoki Sector residents gathered to celebrate the President’s gift to one of their own.

Handing over the keys to Rutagarama and his wife, Tugireyezu said that the Head of State’s donation was geared towards encouraging more Rwandans to embrace the culture of hard work.

"The President has given you this vehicle as a sign of appreciation for your hard work. You should use this vehicle to achieve more,” she said amid a round of applause.

Rutagarama and wife could not hide their excitement.

"I don’t know where to begin.  Whatever achievements I attained, I never even dreamt that one time the President would step in my home, chat with me face-to-face and more amazing, give me such a vehicle. May God bless him and all his activities,” an emotional Rutagara said.

He asked the Minister to assure the President that he will not disappoint him, and that he has since doubled his efforts.

"This vehicle will be used to transform farming in our village,” he vowed.

Gatsibo Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza, said that farming in the district was impressive after residents embarked on growing crops on consolidated land.
 
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