The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital innovation in agriculture as a means of inclusive growth and economic transformation in rural areas.
At a high-level workshop on Regulatory and Policy Framework for Universal Telecom Access in Digital Agriculture held at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Dr. Afees Alabi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasised that enhanced internet access in rural areas is essential for unlocking the full potential of agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers and women-led agribusinesses.
He stated, “Our agenda goes beyond providing internet access; it is about building an intelligent, integrated agricultural system where every farmer, regardless of location, can access timely information, tools, and markets. Innovations like mobile soil testing, weather-smart alerts, digital input subsidies, and e-registration are laying the digital foundation for a stronger, more resilient food system.”
The administration is committed to integrating digital inclusion as an agent of rural transformation and agricultural resilience, positioning Kwara as a model for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, the Commissioner for Communications, provided technical details on the Kwara State Optical Fibre Backbone Infrastructure project, which she described as vital for expanding digital connectivity across the state.
She also announced the launch of Notia FM in Baruten to address information gaps in underserved rural communities.
Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, Commissioner for Livestock Development, highlighted the state government’s multi-sectoral approach to deploying digital tools to improve both crop production and the livestock value chain, ultimately improving rural livelihoods.
Mallam Tajudeen Yahaya, DIGISOL Project Coordinator at Al-Hikmah University, noted that digital agriculture is a proven pathway to transforming rural livelihoods, stating that access to digital tools has enabled farmers to enhance productivity and connect to broader markets.
