In a significant move to support youth, women, and People Living with Disabilities (PLWD), Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has inaugurated a credit support scheme designed to boost productivity and enhance agricultural supply through the poultry value chain.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo lauded the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the World Bank Group for their introduction of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project.
He referred to the initiative as a transformative development for the state’s agricultural sector.
Governor Ododo emphasized the commitment of his administration to achieve the L-PRES project’s goals. He highlighted Kogi State’s strategic location, extensive arable land, and abundant human resources as key factors that would drive productivity and ensure food security, aligning with his administration’s campaign promises.
Timothy Ojomah, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the credit supply initiative would significantly improve the welfare of Kogi residents through enhanced livestock productivity.
Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the State Coordinator of the L-PRES project, remarked that the initiative would continue to empower women and youth in the agricultural sector, particularly in the poultry value chain.
Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to maximize the opportunity provided by the state government and its partners.
The L-PRES project, a collaboration between the World Bank and the Kogi State Government, has already extended credit support to 500 women and youth farmers involved in the poultry value chain in Kogi State.
