Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, launched this year’s wet season farming with the presentation of over 100 tractors to benefit approximately 10,000 farmers across the 21 local government areas.
During the flag-off ceremony in Geregu, Ajaokuta local government area, Governor Ododo emphasized that investing in agriculture is crucial for poverty eradication. He announced that 75% of the farmland cleared for cultivation this season will be allocated to youth and women farmers.
Ismaila Isah, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, noted that over 90% of Kogi’s land is arable. The governor pledged to make Kogi a leading state in agricultural production, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
“We are opening farmlands and preparing more land for cultivating rice, maize, cassava, yam, and other staple crops across the state’s 21 local government areas. We have also procured farm implements to support full-scale agricultural mechanization, aligning with our food security agenda. Our youth are beginning to see agriculture as a viable source of wealth, and our women are actively participating because they trust in our commitment to transforming the agricultural sector. I urge wealthy Kogites at home and abroad to explore the opportunities in the agro-industry.”
Governor Ododo highlighted that the state government has invested over 7 billion Naira in farm implements, including over 100 tractors, to cultivate 7,324 hectares by around 10,000 farmers this season. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting agricultural transformation initiatives and assured that his administration is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure food security nationwide.
State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Timothy Ojoma, remarked that the commencement of wet season farming across 79 farm clusters marks a significant step in Governor Ododo’s agricultural transformation agenda.
