- By Rotimi Odofin
The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated the disbursement of Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loans under the ACReSAL project.
This initiative aims to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change and support community agricultural efforts.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Lokoja earlier today, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project.
He emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to agricultural development.
Governor Ododo highlighted that within a span of five months, his administration has implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity.
These initiatives include providing agricultural machinery for mechanization, agricultural inputs, training, and capacity building for farmers.
The CRF loan disbursement program gives priority to women, with 70% of the beneficiaries being female. Governor Ododo urged the ACReSAL CRF beneficiaries to utilize the loan judiciously, emphasizing that it is intended to support their agricultural endeavors and improve their livelihoods.
Governor Ododo assured that the loan would enhance agricultural practices in the designated areas, leading to increased food production and security.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Jibril Abu, underscored the significance of partnerships for progress, as outlined in the 17 thematic areas of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He commended Governor Ododo for his leadership and dedication to the state’s development.
The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also lauded Governor Ododo for bolstering the agricultural sector.
They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely loan repayment, emphasising the importance of sustainability and community development.
Also, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Jatto commended the Governor for his total commitment to the success of the project in the state, saying the Governor has made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project.
She called on the beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity presented by the presentation of cheques to them by using the funds for the purpose stipulated.
Each of the cluster group of farmers went home with 25,000 USD each.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru and his Environment and Ecological Management counterpart, Engr Olusegun Joseph, thanked the Governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor.
The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also commended the Governor for his efforts in supporting the agricultural sector. They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely loan repayment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community development.
The beneficiaries in their separate remarks expressed their gratitude to Governor Ododo for the unprecedented prompt payment of salaries especially the recent payment of June salary before the Sallah celebration festival saying it’s the first of it’s kind for the workers of the state civil service. They maintained that the salary had delivered multiple positive economic improvements on the living standards of the people.
While appreciating the State Government for the opportunity, the beneficiaries assured Governor Ododo of their determination to ensure judicious use of the loan.
They praised the Governor’s commitment to agricultural development and his dedication to improving the lives of the people of Kogi State.
The CRF loan disbursement is a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural development journey, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and the state’s agricultural sector as a whole.
