Kogi to partner agric investors for sustainable dev't »

Determined to ensure the growth of the sector and ensure food security for the state, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has restated his administration’s resolve to partner credible investors for the development of the state and the country.

He said this is in line with efforts aimed at boosting the viability of the agricultural sector, encourage employment possibilities for the teeming citizens and evolve avenue for socioeconomic turnaround for Kogi State.

Bello gave this commitment on Wednesday in Lokoja when he played host to select investors in the agricultural sector who were in Lokoja for a discussion with government in that regard.
The Govenror was represented by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, who received a US-based organic mushroom cultivation, production, and training body, Mbeng Adio Mushroom Farm (MAMF Global), led by its founder, Mrs. Bridget Mbeng.

The Govenror noted that stated that his administration’s model for agricultural performance works in tandem with that of MAMF’s, which is envisioned to creating economic empowerment and sustainability by training and investing in women form the core of his administration.

Bello explained that mushrooms; whether oyster, shitake, or others, are high-value crops with rising demands across the world also providing economic, industrial, and pharmaceutical benefits.

He revealed that Governor Bello is dedicated to empowering the people through his Agricultural Reforms with appreciative performance in relevant areas of solid minerals, tourism, and health, considering the ongoing construction of about 7 quality healthcare institutions in the State.

According to him, Kogi State offers a confluence of opportunities ranging from adequate rainfall, soil texture, and ease of business occasioned by the security policies of the Governor, noting that it remains arms-opened to investors with quality ideas.

Pitching the need for collaboration, SA to the Governor on Investment and Finance, in a joint account with Gregory Gam, Marketing Director, MAMF, said Mushroom farming is a money-spinner and will be beneficial to a targeted number of 8,400 farmers and SMEs especially women through agri-business cooperatives, which will make them off-takers in the competitive markets.

They said pilot studies, research, and analysis are have been done as per the viability of its success in Kogi, adding that the partnership will be in lockstep with the ongoing income-generating policies of the Government.

Also joined at the meeting were State Deputy Chief of Staff, Commissioner for Women Affairs, MD, Kogi Enterprise Development Agency, KEDA, Agricultural Research Officer, State Ministry of Agriculture, Representative of KIPL, and other government officials.