By Kehinde Erin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged-off the distribution of fertilizer for 2024 wet season with a pledge to continue providing necessary resources and initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity in Kogi state.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the state’s farming community.
Governor gave the assurance during the launch of the 2024 Wet Season Fertilizer Distribution Program at the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) center in Lokoja, where he emphasized his administration’s dedication to empowering farmers and transforming the agricultural sector.
He vowed to transform the state’s agricultural sector, aiming to address food insecurity and hunger through sustainable farming practices and innovative solutions.
Governor Ododo emphasized the crucial role of empowerment in driving prosperity, eradicating food insecurity and hunger, and creating job opportunities for the people of Kogi State. He is convinced that by empowering citizens, his administration can stimulate economic growth, enhance living standards, and create a brighter future for all, thereby unlocking the full potential of the state and its people.
He further pledged to intensify his administration’s efforts in the agricultural sector by providing comprehensive support to all farmers in the state, including access to essential agricultural materials. He expressed his vision to establish Kogi State as the premier food-producing hub in Nigeria, thereby positioning it as the nation’s food basket.
Governor Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which seeks to create a prosperous future for Nigeria by addressing food insecurity and eradicating hunger. He assured that Kogi State is committed to supporting this initiative and will not disappoint the President in its efforts to contribute to the nation’s food security and development.
The Governor announced that the federal government donated 24 trucks of fertilizers to Kogi State to combat food insecurity and poverty. He emphasized that the distribution of these fertilizers to Kogi farmers will be closely monitored to ensure that all intended beneficiaries receive their share.
Alhaji Ododo specified that 50% of the fertilizers will be allocated to farmers in Bassa and Ibaji Local Government Areas, while the remaining 50% will be distributed to farmers in other Local Government Areas across the state.
He encouraged the beneficiaries of the fertilizer distribution to make the most of this opportunity and use the resources wisely. He also appealed to the people of Kogi State to refrain from politicising the support given to farmers, assuring them that his administration will continue to prioritise and empower farmers, regardless of political affiliations.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable. Timothy Ojoma, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and transformative efforts in revolutionizing the state’s agricultural sector, noting his significant contributions to the growth and development of agriculture in Kogi State.
Ojoma stressed that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the development of Kogi State’s agricultural sector, and will play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and eradicating hunger in the state. He noted that this effort will have a lasting impact on the lives of citizens and contribute to a more food-secure future for Kogi State.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kogi State chapter, Mr. Adobayin Saliu, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising the state’s agricultural sector, noting that the Governor has made significant strides in providing vital resources such as tractors and essential farming materials.
These efforts, he said, will substantially enhance farm productivity and outputs for benefiting farmers across the state.
The Director General of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr. George Bello, lauded Governor Ododo for his visionary leadership and innovative approach to transforming the state’s agricultural sector. He also extended hearty congratulations to the governor on his recent award as the best performing governor in agriculture, acknowledging his outstanding achievements and commitment to agricultural development.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for providing tractors to Kogi farmers, stating that the initiative was a clear continuation and expansion of the laudable legacies and achievements of former Governor Yahaya Bello. He commended Governor Ododo for building upon and consolidating the progress made by his predecessor, demonstrating his commitment to sustaining and advancing the state’s agricultural growth.