Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially launched the distribution of over 20 trucks of fertilizer to farmers across the state’s 21 local government areas.
During the ceremony held in Lokoja, the governor issued a stern warning against the diversion, inequitable distribution, and exclusion of genuine farmers from the program.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo emphasized his administration’s commitment to developing the agricultural sector.
He described the event as a significant milestone in his leadership journey, reaffirming his dedication to serving the state in the best interests of its people.
The governor vowed to take decisive action against anyone found sabotaging the distribution process.
“This must not be politicized. The fertilizer must reach the real farmers only,” Governor Ododo asserted.
“I will be intentional in tracking these bags of fertilizer to ensure they are in the right places, in the right quantity, at the right time, and in the hands of our dear farmers. The era of politicians hijacking fertilizers is over.”
Governor Ododo highlighted the importance of investing in agriculture as a critical step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.
He pointed out that Kogi State’s vast land resources, water bodies, and political will to invest in agriculture will significantly contribute to ensuring food security and sufficiency within the state.
As part of the initiative, Governor Ododo announced that 50% of the current batch of fertilizer would be allocated to farmers in Ibaji and Bassa local government areas, where there is a higher concentration of farmers in the Eastern senatorial district.
He assured that more support would be extended to all genuine farmers in the state.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to address the country’s economic challenges by increasing agricultural incentives nationwide.
He expressed his gratitude to the farmers in Kogi State for their continued support of his administration and reiterated his commitment to maintaining food security in the state.
State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, praised Governor Ododo for his numerous interventions, which have positioned Kogi State as a major hub for agricultural production in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, George Ogirima,Managing Director of Kogi State Agricultural Development Project, noted that the federal government’s provision of 25 trucks of fertilizer aligns with the state’s vision under Governor Ododo to revamp the agricultural sector.
However, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security provided the trucks of fertilizer as part of efforts to boost food production during this year’s wet season farming.