Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially launched the distribution of over 20 trucks of fertilizer to farmers across the state’s 21 local government areas.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Lokoja, marks a significant step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster agricultural productivity in the region.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to advancing the agricultural sector, describing the occasion as a moment of fulfillment in his quest to serve the people of Kogi State effectively.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Ododo issued a stern warning against any attempts to divert, distribute inequitably, or exclude genuine farmers from benefiting from the fertilizer distribution.
He vowed to take decisive action against any individuals found guilty of sabotaging the initiative.
“I want to make it clear that this fertilizer distribution must not be politicized,” Governor Ododo emphasized. “It is intended solely for the real farmers. I will be personally tracking these fertilizer bags to ensure they reach the right places, in the right quantities, and at the right time. The era of politicians hijacking fertilizers is over.”
Governor Ododo highlighted the importance of agricultural investment as a critical measure to revitalize Nigeria’s economy. He noted that Kogi State’s rich and expansive land, abundant water bodies, and strong political will to invest in agriculture provide a solid foundation for achieving food security and sufficiency in the state.
As part of the initiative, Governor Ododo announced that 50 percent of the current fertilizer supply would be allocated to farmers in Ibaji and Bassa local government areas, where there are significant clusters of farmers in the Eastern Senatorial District. He also assured that his administration would continue to support all genuine farmers across the state.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering efforts to address the nation’s economic challenges by increasing incentives for agricultural production nationwide.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, lauded Governor Ododo’s numerous interventions that have positioned Kogi State as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project, Mr. George Ogirima, welcomed the federal government’s decision to provide 25 trucks of fertilizer for distribution in the state, noting that it aligns with the vision of Governor Ododo’s administration to rejuvenate Kogi’s agricultural sector.
The fertilizer distribution is part of broader efforts by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to boost food production during this year’s wet season farming.
