Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced a major cost-saving initiative, revealing that his administration has saved over 20 billion Naira by refurbishing approximately 200 previously abandoned tractors.
These tractors, now restored to near-new condition, are set to be deployed for the 2024 wet season farming in the state.
The news was shared during an exclusive interview with Babajide Kolade Otitoju on TVC News, and further detailed in a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah.
Faced with economic challenges, Governor Ododo assembled a team of engineers to revitalize disused tractors originally procured by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
These tractors had been abandoned in various farm settlements both within and outside Kogi State. The Governor emphasized that refurbishing the tractors was far more economical than purchasing new ones, which would have cost the state over 70 million Naira each, totaling more than 20 billion Naira for 200 tractors.
“So far, we have spent over 2 billion Naira to restore 140 tractors,” Governor Ododo stated. “Buying new ones would have cost tens of billions, and with the added time for shipment and clearance, we don’t have time to wait. Our goal is to quickly provide for our farmers and serve our people efficiently.”
Governor Ododo’s agricultural initiatives have also included substantial investments in farm implements, seedlings, and other essential supplies. Over 7 billion Naira has been allocated to support nearly 10,000 farmers across 76 farm clusters in the state’s 21 local government areas. The Governor highlighted the state’s commitment to agriculture, aiming to make Kogi State a model for others by ensuring self-sufficiency and potentially exporting agricultural produce.
Additionally, the refurbishment project has provided training for many young people in the state, equipping them as operators and service engineers. These individuals are deployed with the tractors to various farm clusters, participating in the One Farmer, One Hectare program.
Governor Ododo assured that the state’s investment in agriculture would continue, with plans to expand farming to over 50,000 hectares next season. He emphasized the importance of agriculture in combating inflation and food insecurity, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Kogi State has the potential to become Nigeria’s next food basket, with its fertile land, abundant water resources, and energetic youth population,” Governor Ododo said. “By encouraging more Nigerians to embrace farming, we can support economic recovery and ensure food security for our nation.”
Governor Ododo’s initiative not only revitalizes abandoned assets but also underscores his administration’s dedication to sustainable agricultural development and economic resilience.
