Focus on mandate, not second term – Gov Ododo tells politicians

The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has advised politicians to prioritise the mandate given to them as elected officials and deemphasise the idea of a second term when their first term is still at an early stage.

Governor Ododo stated this while unveiling the state’s 2026 Cashew season and Cashew Procurement Trade Policy 2025 in Lokoja.

“Mandate given to me is to serve the people of the state as governor, we have not reached second year, but politicians are already stirring distraction and playing politics instead of concentrating on the mandate given to them.

“They go to Facebook and start painting messages against me. They say I don’t know how to speak English and that is why I don’t go to Facebook. I don’t care what they write, mine is to remain focus and build the state”, he said.

He stated that the administration under his leadership will remain focused and undistracted, as he is dedicated to justifying the mandate given to him as the Chief Servant of the state by the people.

The governor highlighted that the event signifies a major milestone in the state’s agricultural development, specifically aimed at enhancing cashew production, processing, and export.

According to him, the policy seeks to provide a transparent framework for cashew trading, ensuring fair prices, quality assurance, and accountability.

Ododo emphasized the state’s commitment to establishing cashew processing facilities, creating jobs, and increasing farmers’ earnings.

Some of the key initiatives include: Distribution of 5 million hybrid cashew seedlings to farmers, Establishment of cashew processing facilities to add value to the crop, Strengthening market access, through organised trading platforms and Access to affordable financing for farmers and agribusiness investors

The governor urged stakeholders to work together to position Kogi State as a leading cashew hub in Nigeria and Africa.

“The policy is expected to benefit farmers, traders, and the local economy, aligning with the state’s vision of diversification, youth empowerment, and shared prosperity.

“These initiatives reflect our administration’s determined commitment to inclusive, grassroots-driven development, anchored on unlocking the enormous potential of our agricultural sector, particularly the cashew value chain, for economic diversification, job creation, export growth, and increased household incomes.”

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“Cashew remains one of the most valuable and globally competitive tree crops, and Kogi State is naturally positioned to become a major player in this sector. We are blessed with the right soil, favourable climate, and hardworking people.”

“Our administration, therefore, sees cashew as a strategic economic asset and a pathway to rural prosperity, sustainable growth, and wealth creation. Cashew should do more for Logo’s economic growth.

“We have always had the trees. But we didn’t come up with the policies to turn Cashew into a game changer. Our administration will change the narrative.”

Earlier, the Director General of Kogi State Commodity, Exchange, Expert Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA), Hon. Victor Omofaiye said Nigeria currently ranks as the fourth largest cashew nut producer in the world, with an annual production of about 450,000 metric tonnes and export value exceeding 700 million dollars.

“Kogi State is a major driver of this performance. Our state holds the top position as Nigeria’s leading cashew producer, accounting for an estimated 40 percent of national output. This strength is most visible in the eastern part of the state, which contributes about 60 percent of our production, with additional output from the western and central areas.

“For the 2024 to 2025 production period, Kogi State’s estimated annual output stands at approximately 350,000 metric tonnes. Our cashews are well regarded in international markets. They meet high quality standards, with Kernel Output Ratios of 49 to 50 and moisture content around 8 percent.