Kogi govt promises to transform agricultural sector

The Kogi State government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the state’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihood of farmers through the signed ‘Food for Lagos’ partnership, aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos states.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who made the pledge in a statement on Thursday, highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative under the current state administration.

Fanwo said that less than two weeks after signing the historic agreement with Lagos, Governor Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He has since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success. With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributes meaningfully to the value chain. Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He described Governor Ododo as a visionary leader who, from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the centre of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, he emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise,” he emphasised.

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets, and ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), which is channelling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received,” Fanwo affirmed, adding, “Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi State.
“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,” he said.

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