Kogi Deputy Governor hosts APPEALS committee, says government is committed to agric transformation »

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja has stated that the State is living up to expectations in line with the FG’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda on support policy thrusts on Food Security, Local Production, Job Creation and Economic Diversification.

He disclosed this when he hosted Committee members of the Agro Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support– APPEALS Project in Lokoja, the State Capital.

Speaking, Chief Onoja, who is Chairman of steering committee of the Project in the State, said Governor Yahaha Bello was walking the talk of his oath of office to give due consideration to the agricultural sector and food production such as cashew, yam, cocoyam, cassava, melon, maize, sorghum, rice, cowpea, benniseed, oil palm, fish, poultry and animal husbandry.

He espoused that the Rice Milling Plant located on 800 hectares in Ejiba, Yagba West has created job opportunities for hundreds of women and youths thereby reducing the cost of unemployment in the State.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Apeh had earlier welcomed the guests, revealing that the Ministry was working harmoniously with relevant stakeholders to ensure increased agricultural productivity, exports and employment for targeted groups.

The core objective of the APPEALS Project for Nigeria is to enhance agricultural productivity of small and medium scale farmers and improve value addition along priority value chains in the participating states, among others.