By Salawu Nneka Patience
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the distribution of over 30,000 bags of assorted fertilizers to farmers across the state in preparation for dry season farming.
The flag-off ceremony was performed on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
Hon. Ojomah stated that the fertilizer distribution is part of Governor Ododo’s people-oriented agricultural reforms aimed at supporting farmers, increasing crop yield, and reducing the cost of farm inputs. He explained that the over 30,000 bags of assorted fertilizers were carefully procured to meet the specific needs of farmers across different crop value chains in the state. He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the fertilizer to maximize output during the dry season.
He further assured farmers of the government’s continuous support through timely provision of inputs, extension services, and policies that encourage sustainable farming practices.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Moses Dare described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at ensuring all-year-round farming activities in the state. He commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and food sufficiency, and assured stakeholders of transparency and accountability in the distribution process to ensure the fertilizer reaches genuine farmers.
Delivering the first goodwill message, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the deputy Governor, Hon. Hillary Egwuda Ojomah, applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural transformation of Kogi State. He described the fertilizer distribution as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s inclusive and people-centered leadership, stressing that empowering farmers remains central to the administration’s development agenda.
In another goodwill message, the State Project Coordinator of the IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme Dr Stella Adejoh commended the state government for complementing federal and international interventions in agriculture. She noted that timely access to subsidized fertilizer would significantly boost productivity, enhance farmers’ incomes, and strengthen food systems, particularly during the dry season. He reaffirmed IFAD’s continued partnership with Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the local government councils, Musa Mohammed Lawal praised the Ododo administration for deepening grassroots participation in agricultural programmes. He assured that local governments would support effective distribution and monitoring to ensure the success of the initiative across all councils.
The Representative of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRH Mallam Yakubu Aliyu conveyed the goodwill and blessings of the royal father to the Governor and the people of the state. He described the initiative as timely and impactful, especially for farmers engaged in dry season farming, and commended the administration for its consistent support to traditional institutions and rural farmers.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security lauded Kogi State for aligning its agricultural programmes with national food security objectives. She emphasized the importance of federal-state collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural development and pledged the ministry’s continued technical support.
Leader of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and various commodity associations in the state also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his consistent support to farmers. They described the distribution of over 30,000 bags of assorted fertilizers as a strong indication of the administration’s resolve to ease farmers’ challenges and strengthen agricultural value chains across Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Idris Onuche expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the fertilizer distribution. He described the intervention as a major relief in the face of rising input costs and assured the government that farmers would utilize the fertilizer judiciously to improve yield and contribute to food security in the state.
The highlight of the programme was a unanimous declaration by farmers and agricultural stakeholders pledging their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in appreciation of their sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.
This initiative aligns with the Ododo administration’s vision of empowering farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and positioning Kogi State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
