Kogi State Government on Thursday said over 10,000 farmers in the state have been empowered with necessary agricultural input to enhance food production towards guaranteeing food security in the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayo-Ade Arike disclosed this in Lokoja during a leadership retreat and ministerial briefing with the theme: “The Advanced New Direction: From Continuity and Consolidation to Strategic Development,” organised for Commissioners and Special Advisers to enhance their productivity in line with the policies and programmes of the current administration.
According to her, through the agricultural expansion initiative, over 10,000 farmers have been empowered with access to improved seedlings, fertilizers, and mechanised equipment.
She added that the effort has resulted in 25 per cent increase in agricultural productivity, positioning Kogi State as a leading producer of staple crops like cassava and rice.
“Establishing the Kogi State Agro-Processing Centres has also created opportunities for over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, enhancing the value chain for local farmers,” she stated.
Speaking further on the achievements of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration, Dr Ayoade said in less than a year of his leadership, the Governor has demonstrated an undeniable commitment to the growth and transformation of Kogi State.
“His visionary policies and strategic execution have already set the state on a remarkable sustainable development trajectory. Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, the agricultural sector has witnessed unprecedented growth.
“In infrastructure, Governor Ododo’s administration has prioritised connectivity and access. The newly GYB Junction, Zone-8 Roundabout- Crusher roads, a critical project with a very high interconnectivity value, is set to ease traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency in Lokoja.
“Several erosion management projects across the three senatorial districts have been executed, directly impacting the lives of over 300,000 residents and facilitating the seamless movement of goods and services among others across the state,” Dr Arike stated.
She charged the participants of the summit to recognise that the collective efforts must now be shifted towards shaping a veritable future for Kogi State.
She noted that the retreat offers a unique opportunity to harness collective diverse expertise, chart a strategic roadmap, and set actionable goals to address pressing challenges while maximising opportunities.
“The retreat’s objectives, enhancing leadership and ministerial capacity, fostering economic growth, addressing infrastructure needs, and promoting human capital development are pivotal for achieving our vision of a prosperous Kogi State.
“Through policy alignment, inter-ministerial collaboration, and innovative solutions, we will lay the groundwork for sustained growth and development,” she said.