By Salawu Nneka Patience
The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, has reaffirmed the state government commitments to agricultural transformation and youth empowerment through sustainable livelihood initiatives. the Commissioner for agriculture stated this during a one day sensitization programme, an Inter- Ministerial Workshop organized by NDLEA on Alternative and Sustainable Livelihoods in Kogi State.
The workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, brought together representatives from key ministries and agencies, including the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency (KOSSIPA), National Orientation Agency , and the Ministry of Education.
The programme aimed to sensitize cannabis farmers and traffickers on the need to abandon illicit cultivation and embrace sustainable food production and other legitimate means of livelihood, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Welcoming the Commander, ACGN U.M. Yahuza, and other participants to the workshop, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, commended the NDLEA for organizing the sensitization programme and reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to food security and agricultural development.
The commissioner highlighted the contributions of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to agricultural development in the state, noting that his administration has made the state attractive to agricultural investors across the globe.
He disclosed that Governor Ododo has continued to sponsor and support the training of youths in modern agricultural practices aimed at improving food production, creating employment opportunities, and encouraging self-reliance among young people in the state.
According to him, the governor’s Smart Agricultural Programme is designed to expose youths to innovative farming methods, digital agricultural techniques, and agribusiness opportunities capable of transforming agriculture into a profitable venture while discouraging involvement in criminal and illicit activities.
Hon. Ojomah further noted that the alternative and sustainable livelihood initiative introduced by the NDLEA would greatly benefit youths in the state, considering the agricultural skills and training they have acquired.
He assured participants that the ministry would continue to support programmes and policies that promote agricultural productivity, rural development, and sustainable livelihoods across the state. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministries, agencies, and communities in ensuring the success of alternative development initiatives.
Earlier in his opening remarks, ACGN U.M. Yahuza, Commander of the NDLEA Kogi Strategic Command, stated that the workshop formed part of the agency’s strategy to address the root causes of cannabis cultivation through sensitization, economic inclusion, and sustainable alternatives.
He explained that many individuals involved in cannabis cultivation are often driven by unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to legitimate economic opportunities.
According to him, the Alternative Development initiative seeks to create awareness and redirect affected persons toward lawful agricultural ventures and other productive means of livelihood.
ACGN Yahuza noted that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to drug control, rural development, and national security, stressing that inter-ministerial collaboration remains vital to achieving lasting success.
Delivering a paper, titled: “The Concept of Alternative Development Project in Nigeria,” Dr. Jonah Kolo, National Coordinator, Alternative Development, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, described alternative development as a community-centered approach designed to replace illicit drug crop cultivation with sustainable agricultural activities.
Dr. Kolo explained that the initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable communities through agricultural support services, vocational training, market access, and social development programmes. He noted that the project also promotes environmental sustainability, food security, and rural economic growth while discouraging participation in illegal drug production and trafficking.
He stressed that effective implementation of alternative development programmes requires strong collaboration among stakeholders, sustained government support, and active community participation.
As part of the requirements for the project, an office will be established within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as the lead ministry, in collaboration with the NDLEA and other inter-ministerial agencies.
The workshop also featured contributions from participants including, Director of Administration, KOSSIPA, Akpa Issac Abuh, and Hon. Barnabas Abiodun, representative of the State Director of National Orientation Agency and others.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women and youths in alternative livelihood programmes, noting that empowerment and social support remain key strategies in preventing involvement in illicit activities.
They further advocated sustained sensitization campaigns, skills acquisition programmes, and financial support mechanisms for vulnerable groups as part of efforts to promote social stability and economic development.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Moses Dare, appreciated participants and organizers for their commitment to addressing illicit cannabis cultivation through dialogue and sustainable development initiatives.
He urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated by the workshop by translating discussions into practical programmes capable of improving livelihoods, strengthening communities, and supporting the fight against drug-related crimes in Kogi State and beyond.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Anastasia Abalaka, who expressed appreciation to the organizers, guest speakers, and participating ministries for their contributions to the success of the workshop. She called for sustained collaboration in advancing alternative development initiatives and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
Other participating ministries for the workshop includes the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Special duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Ministry of Women Affairs, all of which reiterated their commitment to supporting collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and youth empowerment in Kogi State.
