The Kogi State Government has commenced distribution of over 30,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers as part of state-led interventions to boost food production in the dry season farming.
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‎Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, flagged off the distribution at a ceremony in Lokoja, the State Capital.
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‎Governor Ododo who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, said the intervention is targeted at farmers in local government areas with a comparative advantage in dry season farming to ensure effective utilisation and improved yields.
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‎The Governor described agriculture as a critical pillar of the state’s economic development, food security and job creation agenda.
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‎He said the fertiliser distribution reflects the administration’s deliberate policy to support farmers beyond the rainy season.
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‎“I am pleased to announce that a total of 50 trucks conveying 30,000 bags of assorted fertiliser have been mobilised for distribution to support our hardworking farmers during the dry season farming cycle,” the governor stated.
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‎He explained that the state government adopted a strategic, data-driven allocation model to maximise the impact of the intervention, stressing that it would contribute to increased food availability, price stability and higher income for farmers.
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‎“This targeted approach ensures optimal utilisation and improved yields, while reinforcing our commitment to equitable and sustainable agricultural development across the state,” he added.
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‎Governor Ododo further highlighted other agricultural initiatives recently implemented by the state government, including the flag-off of agricultural input distribution under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), commissioning of a modern seed laboratory, and the acquisition of tractors and farm equipment through the ACrESAL project.
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‎He also disclosed that lessons from a government-sponsored study visit to Brazil were being applied to enhance irrigation systems, seed development and large-scale agricultural production in the state.
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‎The governor reaffirmed the state’s partnership with the Bank Of Agriculture to expand access to credit for small holder farmers, noting that financial inclusion is essential for transitioning farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
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‎He warned beneficiaries against diversion or misuse of the fertiliser, assuring that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee transparency and accountability.
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‎In his remarks, the chairman of Ofu Local Government Area,  Hon. Musa Muhammad, commended Governor Ododo for prioritising the welfare of farmers by responding promptly to the needs of the people.
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‎“If you have a good governor who understands the pain of the people, he will certainly demonstrate it through good deeds. What we are witnessing today is clear evidence of that commitment,” he said.
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‎Also speaking, Engr. Aliyu Yakubu who represented the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, commended the state government for its sustained investment in agriculture and urged farmers to make judicious use of the fertiliser to justify the support received.
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