Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the distribution of over 30,000 bags of assorted fertilisers to farmers across the state ahead of the 2026 farming season.
The ceremony, held yesterday, was performed on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and guaranteeing food security.
Ojomah explained that the fertiliser distribution is a key component of Governor Ododo’s people-oriented agricultural reforms aimed at supporting farmers, increasing crop yields, and reducing the cost of farm inputs.
He noted that the over 30,000 bags of assorted fertilisers were carefully procured to meet the specific needs of farmers across different crop value chains in the state, and urged beneficiaries to use the inputs judiciously to maximise output during the dry season.
Governor Ododo, in his message, further assured farmers of the government’s continuous support through timely provision of inputs, extension services, and policies that promote sustainable farming practices.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Moses Dare, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to ensure all-year-round farming activities in Kogi State.
He commended Governor Ododo for prioritising agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and food sufficiency, and assured stakeholders of transparency and accountability in the distribution process so that the fertilisers reach genuine farmers.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Hillary Egwuda Ojomah, applauded Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural transformation of Kogi State.
He described the fertiliser distribution as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s inclusive and people-centred leadership, stressing that empowering farmers remains central to the administration’s development agenda.
The State Project Coordinator of the IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme, Dr. Stella Adejoh, commended the state government for complementing federal and international interventions in agriculture.
She noted that timely access to subsidised fertiliser would significantly boost productivity, enhance farmers’ incomes, and strengthen food systems, particularly during the dry season, and reaffirmed IFAD’s continued partnership with Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the local government councils, Musa Mohammed Lawal praised the Ododo administration for deepening grassroots participation in agricultural programmes.
He pledged that local governments would support effective distribution and monitoring to ensure the success of the initiative across all councils.
The Representative of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRH Mallam Yakubu Aliyu, conveyed the goodwill and blessings of the royal father to the Governor and the people of the state.
He described the initiative as timely and impactful, especially for dry season farmers, and commended the administration for its consistent support to traditional institutions and rural farmers.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security lauded Kogi State for aligning its agricultural programmes with national food security objectives.
She emphasised the importance of federal–state collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural development and pledged the ministry’s continued technical support.
Leaders of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and various commodity associations in the state also praised Governor Ododo for his consistent support to farmers.
They described the fertiliser distribution as a strong indication of the administration’s resolve to ease farmers’ challenges and strengthen agricultural value chains across Kogi State.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Idris Onuche expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ododo for the intervention, describing it as a major relief in the face of rising input costs.
He assured the government that farmers would utilise the fertiliser judiciously to improve yields and contribute to food security in the state.
The highlight of the programme was a unanimous declaration by farmers and agricultural stakeholders pledging their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo, in appreciation of their sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.
This initiative aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision of empowering farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and positioning Kogi State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
