The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has launched the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan program, enabling clusters of farmers in the state to access $25,000 each.
The program is part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in collaboration with the World Bank.
During the unveiling ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders and reiterated his administration’s dedication to agricultural development.
He outlined various initiatives implemented within the first five months of his administration, including the provision of agricultural machinery, inputs, and training for farmers.
The CRF loan scheme prioritizes women, with 70% of the beneficiaries being female. Ododo urged the recipients to use the funds wisely to enhance their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.
He assured that the loan would significantly boost food production and security in the region.
Jibril Abu, representing the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, stressed the need for partnerships in achieving progress, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
He commended Governor Ododo’s leadership and commitment to the state’s development.
In his remarks, Ladi Jatto, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, commended the governor for his dedication to the project, urging beneficiaries to utilize the funds appropriately.
She urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely and make the most of the opportunity provided by the presentation of cheques, ensuring that they use the money for its intended purpose.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiru, and the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Olusegun Joseph, expressed their gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by rural communities and his efforts to improve their welfare.
The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland praised the Governor for his dedication to boosting agriculture.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the governor for his exceptional leadership, particularly for ensuring timely payment of salaries, including the recent June salary paid before the Sallah celebration, saying it’s the first of its kind for the workers of the state civil service.
The beneficiaries also pledged to use the loan wisely and efficiently, and expressed their appreciation for Governor Ododo’s unwavering commitment to agricultural growth and his tireless efforts to enhance the well-being of Kogi State’s citizens, acknowledging his dedication to improving their welfare.
