By Kehinde Erin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has launched an initiative to boost food security in the state by distributed farm inputs and equipment to rural farmers under the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP-AF).
This initiative demonstrates his commitment to support local agriculture and ensuring food security for the people of Kogi State.
Hon. Timothy Ojomah, the State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, who represented the Governor, emphasised the importance of farm inputs in boosting agricultural production during the distribution launch in Lokoja.
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He noted that these inputs are crucial for increasing crop yields and enhancing efficiency in the cassava and rice value chain, ultimately benefiting farmers in the state.
Commissioner Ojomah highlighted the state government’s strong commitment to the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), which underscores Governor Ododo’s priority on agricultural development in Kogi.
He added that his commitment has yielded tangible results, with over 10,000 farmers across the state’s 21 local government areas receiving support through various initiatives under Ododo’s administration.
Ojomah further stressed that the state Government took significant steps to empower cassava farmers in 2024, with over 1,200 farmers benefiting from their intervention. This support included tractorization, input provision, and extension services, all aimed at enhancing the farmers’ productivity and efficiency.
According to the commissioner, these initiatives, among others, have started yielding impressive results, notably boosting food security in the state.
The Commissioner reaffirmed Governor Ododo’s administration commitment to supporting small holder farmers by paying its counterpart funds, enabling the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) to continue empowering rural communities.
He praised the IFAD/VCDP program as a unique initiative that positively impacts the lives of rural communities. By fulfilling its financial obligations, the state government demonstrates its dedication to enhancing food security and agricultural productivity, ultimately benefiting the people of Kogi State.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries of the farm inputs to utilize them wisely, rather than selling them. He emphasised the importance of using these tools to enhance food security and boost agricultural development in Kogi State and beyond.
He also praised the State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Stella Adejoh, and her team for their tireless efforts, noting that under her leadership, rural farmers in Kogi have greatly benefited from the IFAD/VCDP initiative.
Mr. George Ogirima, Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), praised the VCDP team for showcasing exceptional capacity among numerous agricultural programs in the state.
He assured that the ADP will consistently provide necessary support to the VCDP program, demonstrating his commitment to the success of the initiative.
Dr. Stella Adejoh, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support and commitment to the VCDP activities in Kogi State.
According to her, the state government’s backing, combined with the efforts of IFAD and other stakeholders, has been instrumental in the program’s achievements.
She maintained that the distribution of equipment and starter packs showcased the program’s unwavering commitment to supporting Governor Ododo’s initiative to eradicate hunger and starvation in the state.
The beneficiaries of the farm inputs, she noted, represented a diverse range of stakeholders, including producers, processors, and marketers, all of whom play critical roles along the cassava and rice value chain in five key local government areas.
“We are celebrating a significant milestone in Governor Ahmed Ododo’s tenure as he celebrates one year in office.
“To commemorate this occasion, the governor is distributing farm tools to Kogi VCDP farmers, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to empowering rural communities and boosting agricultural productivity.
“This initiative is a testament to Governor Ododo’s vision for Kogi State, where agriculture plays a vital role in driving economic growth and ensuring food security.
“By providing farmers with essential tools and resources, the agriculture-friendly governor is enabling them to enhance their yields, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the state’s prosperity.
“As our Governor, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, continues to prioritise the welfare of Kogi’s farmers, his administration’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector are yielding tangible results.
“The distribution of farm tools is a shining example of his dedication to inclusive growth and development,” Dr Stella said.
Beneficiaries of the IFAD VCDP-AF program, including Bagi Grace, Bilikisu Yusuf, and Gabriel Otohinoyi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for prioritising food security. They acknowledged his unwavering support for the program, which has significantly impacted rural farmers in the state.
“We are very grateful to our governor for the gesture, and we promise to make judicious use of the farm tools,” Gabriel said.
A wide range of essential equipment was distributed to support the farmers, including power tillers, motorcycles, solar-powered sprayers, and various machines for pumping, welding, grinding, and sealing. Additionally, specialisd agricultural machinery such as cassava chipping machines, rice planters, and handheld reapers were also provided to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the farmers.
Furthermore, starter packs were distributed to young individuals who had undergone training by the Kogi VCDP on various income-generating activities, empowering them to establish their own enterprises and improve their economic prospects.
