By Salau Patience
The Kogi State Government has officially commenced the distribution of fertilizers to farmers across all 21 Local Government Areas. Governor Usman Ododo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to agricultural development, particularly in providing essential agricultural inputs to farmers nationwide.
Governor Ododo emphasized that the distribution of fertilizers is a collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the guidance of Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Khari.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Kogi State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Governor Ododo made it clear that the fertilizers are not available for purchase in any market, and cautioned against any attempts by politicians or civil servants to manipulate the distribution process.
He assured that his administration will closely monitor the distribution to prevent any fraudulent activities.
Furthermore, Governor Ododo instructed the Special Adviser on Agriculture to ensure that the fertilizers are allocated to prospective farmers throughout the state, with a focus on enhancing food production.
He specifically directed that 50% of the 25 truckloads of fertilizers be allocated to farmers in Ibaji and Bassa Local Government Areas, recognizing their significant contributions to agriculture in the state.
In his statement, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Timothy Ojomah, commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering dedication to agriculture.
He highlighted the success of the state’s Green Revolution Program, which has supported over eight thousand farmers with free tractorization and farm inputs to improve food accessibility and affordability.
Hon. Ojomah emphasized that the provision of fertilizers by the Federal Government signifies a crucial step towards revolutionising the agricultural sector, underscoring the vital role of agriculture in driving the state’s economy.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Kogi State Agricultural Development Project, Dr Bello Ogirima,described Governor Ododo’s performance in agriculture as one of the best since the creation of the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the Kogi State Government for putting necessary machinery in place to ensure agricultural inputs get to genuine farmers across the state.
