The Kogi State Government has stepped up partnerships with federal agencies and international investors to reposition agriculture as the backbone of its economy, enhance food security, and scale up agricultural exports.
A statement issued by Kogi Government House Media Team on Friday, said the move followed an inspection tour of Geregu in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, where state officials, agriculture experts, and investors assessed farmlands and engaged stakeholders on advancing mechanised farming and expanding market opportunities.
Leading the delegation, Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, said the initiative underscores Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to harnessing agriculture as a tool for job creation, farmer empowerment, and economic growth.
“Our Governor has always said we must produce what we eat and eat what we produce. With mechanisation, innovation, and the right partnerships, Kogi will not only feed its people but also support neighbouring states and possibly have enough to export. Agriculture remains our best path to job creation, especially for the thousands of graduates produced every year in our universities,” he stated.
Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Mr. Mathew Ajayi, also highlighted the alignment of the partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda and drive to cut down on Nigeria’s heavy reliance on food imports.
“Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on food imports. Our goal is to reverse this trend by promoting crops like rice, maize, soybeans, and cash crops for export. This partnership with Kogi and Onida Agri will help us achieve that and generate billions of dollars in agricultural exports,” he explained.
The Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Hon. Victor Omofaiye, stressed the agency’s role in ensuring fair pricing for farmers and opening up access to export markets.
“Our mandate is to improve food security, establish a commodity exchange, and promote export. By creating market accessibility, we will ensure our farmers are not shortchanged, and we will transform crops like rice into exportable commodities,” he said.
Managing Director of Onida Agri and Aquaculture Solutions Ltd, Israel Kidron, described Kogi as an ideal hub for modern farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water resources.
“We came to Kogi because it has all the parameters for successful agriculture. We are looking to establish modern, year-round operations supported by technology, better varieties, and mechanisation. Beyond that, we will train farmers and transfer knowledge to ensure better yields and quality,” he said.
He added that Onida Agri, with more than 35 years of agricultural experience in Africa and 15 years in Nigeria, is committed to working with Kogi to achieve food sufficiency while positioning the state’s crops for global export markets.
The initiative is set to cover several local government areas, creating jobs, empowering farmers, and strengthening Kogi’s position as a major force in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation drive.
