From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has launched the distribution of 100 motorcycles and 5,000 enzymes to agricultural extension agents and livestock farmers to boost food production and improve access to nutritious food across the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), was unveiled during a ceremony in Ilorin recently.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jibril, said the distribution underscores his administration’s commitment to food and nutrition security, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“To stamp out farmers-herders conflicts, we have also constructed and rehabilitated boreholes with water troughs along livestock routes and other strategic areas across the state,” the Governor stated.
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He highlighted other interventions, including the training of 700 extension agents and farmers on Small Ruminant Production and feed processing, and the ongoing mass anthrax vaccination exercise across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The government also presented a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Department of Livestock Services to enhance field officers’ mobility.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, praised the Governor’s investment in the sector, emphasising the critical role of extension agents in improving food security.
State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, described the initiative as a step towards empowering livestock extension workers and equipping them with tools to engage farmers effectively and enhance productivity.
“This intervention will improve the capacity of beneficiaries to reach more farmers in remote areas, enabling faster and more efficient service delivery,” Oyawoye added.
The event was attended by senior government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders, with commendations for partners like the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank for supporting the L-PRES Project.
