Food Security: Ododo meets with farmers in Kogi, pledges to address challenges facing agric sector »

Following concerns over growing food inflation in the country, the Kogi state government is targeting improved food security through strategic support and collaboration with farmers across the state. According to the governor Ahmed Usman Ododo his government would address all the challenges facing Kogi farmers including insecurity, access to roads, market, finances, infrastructure and needed technology.

The governor made this known on Monday during an interface with All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State, where he expressed that such meeting was to exchange lofty ideas and chart a course towards a more prosperous future plan for Kogi farmers and the nation as it concerns food security.

The governor noted that It was also imperative to address these key challenges facing Kogi farmers and proffer practical solutions to them, pointing out that in addition to solving these challenges, the state government planned to improve on job creation, poverty alleviation and Economic growth and development through the agricultural sector.

He said that with regards to some of these challenges, government planned to be the off taker of farm produce in a bid to create sustainable market, subsidize fertilisers for Kogi farmers, ensure that investors have their processing plants in the state, ensure the provision of access roads and adequate security for farmers while also affirming government’s resolve to recover diverted tractors earlier procured by the immediate past government.

While he urged the farmers association to have an adequate database, he further admonished Kogi farmers to leverage on the collective strength of the farmers association and advocate for policies, programmes and initiatives that promotes the interest of small scale farmers, empower rural community and grant women inclusive growth along the agricultural value chain.

“Let us remember that we are partners in progress, working towards a common goal of building a vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector, that serve the needs of our nation”, he asserted.

He however pleaded with Nigerians and Kogi indigenes to be patient with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that his government was doing its best to restore the lost glory of Nigeria with regards to agriculture as well as other key areas, while he also pledged the support of the Kogi state to the president’s renewed hope agenda.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah pointed out that the meeting marked a milestone in the administration’s collective journey towards agricultural excellence noting that the government was making a statement of its commitment to harnessing the vast potentials of the agricultural value chain and empowering every stakeholder along the way

He assured Kogi farmers and all other stakeholders of government’s continued support in the actualisation of the goals while seeking collaboration and cooperation in a bid to unlock the agricultural potentials in kogi state.

“We are reminded of the pivotal role agriculture play in the society, as agriculture is not merely an occupation but the life blood of communities, driving economic growth and nourishing our nation, he stressed.

Speaking on behalf of several agricultural stakeholders including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Salihu Momoh, assured that with the right support from government, alongside policies, programmes and initiatives, agriculture has what it takes to boast the economy of the state and the nation at large.