Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced progress towards the establishment of the proposed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), saying the state is awaiting approval by the Board of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the take off of the SAPZ in the state.
Governor Ododo disclosed this at a meeting with members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) at the Government House in Lokoja.
He described the project as a major step towards transforming Kogi from a producer of raw agricultural commodities into a hub for agro-processing, value addition and industrialisation
The Governor disclosed the state government had fulfilled most of the requirements for the project and expressed confidence that the anticipated AfDB approval would be secured soon.
The Governor explained that the Agro-processing zone would reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ earnings, attract investments and create employment opportunities.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the construction of an international airport in Kogi, which would complement the agro-industrial processing zone by facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and other goods to local and international markets.
Ododo urged farmers to increase food production in support of the Federal Government’s food security agenda, assuring farmers of his administration’s commitment to improving access to tractors, modern farming equipment and other essential agricultural inputs.
He also directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, to prepare comprehensive proposals for increased budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector, noting that agriculture remained critical to creating employment, enhancing rural development and economic growth.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, commended the Governor for prioritising agriculture and called for sustained collaboration between the government and farmers to accelerate the state’s agricultural development agenda.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Chairman of AFAN, Musa Raji, commended Governor Ododo for providing farmers with an opportunity to present their challenges and recommendations directly to the government.
He appealed for provision of more tractors and power tillers, access to fertilizer, improved seedlings, better mobility for extension workers and agricultural workers.
Raji also called for the establishment of additional agricultural processing centres to promote value addition, minimise post-harvest losses and increase income of farmers, assuring the Governor of the continued cooperation by the association.
Also speaking, the State Woman Leader, Mrs Esther Audu, appreciates the Governor for recognising the contributions of farmers, especially women farmers, and providing an inclusive platform for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to engage with the government.
