The Kogi State Government has pledged fresh action to transform the state’s agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods through the recently signed Food for Lagos partnership. 

This initiative seeks to establish a strong food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos States.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, revealed that less than two weeks after the landmark agreement with Lagos State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had begun implementing concrete measures to enhance food production, improve infrastructure, and attract major agricultural investments.

“The Governor didn’t just go there to sign papers,” Fanwo stated. “He has since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success. With the Governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce.”

Fanwo disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture had identified key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring each region contributes meaningfully to the value chain. 

He noted that Kogi is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa and is working to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation; we are taking real steps to become one,” he added.

The Commissioner praised Governor Ododo for placing agriculture at the heart of his administration’s development agenda. 

He highlighted that from the campaign trail to his inaugural speech, the Governor consistently promised to make Kogi self-sufficient in food production, a pledge now being fulfilled.

Government-backed programmes such as the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative are already driving change by rehabilitating rural roads, improving market access, and investing in rural farming communities.

Fanwo also commended the state’s progress in combating rural insecurity and encouraged more farmers to return to their fields with renewed confidence.

He described the Food for Lagos project as a “game-changer” for both states, potentially strengthening Lagos’ food supply and creating wealth and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,” Fanwo affirmed.

Source: Kogi State Government 

Image Credit: The Guardian