Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has expressed confidence that the state’s efforts in the agricultural sector are yielding results.
He emphasized that Kogi’s fertile land is key to the success of its agricultural sector, as the state continues to harness its vast natural resources to increase food production and contribute to the nation’s food security.
Speaking during the formal presentation of the 2024 Governor of the Year Award in Agriculture, Governor Ododo emphasized that Kogi’s land is well-suited for growing a wide variety of crops.
“In Kogi State, we have fertile land for all kinds of crops. Our efforts in agriculture are yielding results in terms of food,” he stated.
Under Governor Ododo’s leadership, Kogi has made investments aimed at improving agricultural output. One of the measures includes the distribution of over 100 tractors, which serve an estimated 10,000 farmers across the state.
This move has led to increased farm productivity, better yields, and improved access to essential farming equipment in rural areas.
The Governor also highlighted the positive impact of these initiatives on food inflation. Just a year ago, Kogi State was ranked second in the country for the highest food inflation, but by November, following targeted agricultural efforts, it had become the second lowest in the nation.
“This is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of our agricultural policies, and it shows that when we invest in agriculture, we can drive down food prices,” Ododo remarked.
Governor Ododo attributed this success to the support and policies of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the federal government’s agricultural initiatives align closely with Kogi’s vision.
He emphasized that Kogi’s approach to farming is not just about producing more food, but about creating a sustainable agricultural economy that benefits farmers and enhances local food security.
Governor Ododo shared his personal commitment to agriculture, recalling how, during his tenure as Auditor General for Kogi State, he balanced his public service duties with farming.
“As a farmer, I have always seen agriculture as an opportunity. When I joined politics with my boss, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in 2015, I was appointed Auditor General for local government in 2016.
“I decided to invest in farming, and by August 17th, I was ready to resign from my position due to the profits I was making from my farm. I was selling pepper effortlessly, even receiving calls from Israel to buy it. That was when I knew that there are some species of pepper used for making bullets and tear gas,” the governor said.
Ododo further noted that the state’s agricultural efforts have led to increased food production as well as contributed to the state’s economic development.
According to him, investing in agriculture will reduce insecurity, as farming provides an economic foundation for communities and helps in job creation. “If all of us can key into this programme, insecurity will drop naturally,” he stated.
The Governor dedicated the award to the people of Kogi State, both at home and abroad, stating, “This award is not for me; it is for the people of Kogi State. It is a reminder to do more, and by the grace of God, we will achieve even greater success.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Femi Fanwo, further highlighted the state’s commitment to agriculture, revealing that the Kogi State government has invested over N9 billion in the sector within just one year.