Kogi Gov’t Empowers 10,000 Farmers to Enhance Food Security
Kogi State Government has empowered over 10,000 farmers with essential agricultural inputs to improve food production and enhance food security in the state. This initiative is part of the state’s agricultural expansion program, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable development in the sector.
Dr. Folashade Ayo-Ade Arike, the Secretary to the State Government, announced the empowerment during a leadership retreat and ministerial briefing in Lokoja on Thursday. The event, themed “The Advanced New Direction: From Continuity and Consolidation to Strategic Development,” was organized to align the work of commissioners and special advisers with the current administration’s policies and goals.
As part of the agricultural initiative, the state government has provided the farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, and mechanized equipment. This support has led to a 25% increase in agricultural productivity, with Kogi now positioned as a major producer of staple crops such as cassava and rice.
Dr. Ayo-Ade Arike further highlighted the creation of Kogi State Agro-Processing Centres, which have generated over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, thereby enhancing the agricultural value chain for local farmers.
In her address, Dr. Ayo-Ade Arike commended the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who, in less than a year, has demonstrated a strong commitment to the state’s growth and transformation. She emphasized that Governor Ododo’s strategic policies and execution have set Kogi State on a path toward sustainable development.
Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, significant strides have been made in infrastructure as well. The completion of key projects, including the GYB Junction, Zone-8 Roundabout-Crusher roads, is expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency in Lokoja. Several erosion management projects across the three senatorial districts have positively impacted over 300,000 residents and facilitated smoother movement of goods and services.
Dr. Ayo-Ade Arike urged participants of the retreat to focus on shaping a prosperous future for Kogi State through collective efforts. She emphasized that the retreat provides an opportunity to devise a strategic roadmap and actionable goals aimed at addressing pressing challenges and seizing available opportunities.
The retreat also aimed to enhance leadership capacities, promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, and develop human capital, all of which are key to achieving the state’s vision for long-term growth and prosperity.
