The government of Kogi State has ramped up its cooperation with federal bodies and global partners to revitalize agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy, enhance food security, and boost the export potential of its agricultural products.
Timothy Ojomah, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, led a delegation of agricultural experts, investors, and government officials to Geregu in Ajaokuta local government area. The team conducted farm inspections and engaged with local stakeholders to explore opportunities for mechanized farming and expanding market access within the state.
Ojomah highlighted that this initiative embodies Governor Usman Ododo’s strategic vision to harness Kogi’s agricultural resources to generate employment, empower farmers, and fortify the state’s economic foundation.
“Our Governor consistently emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency-producing what we consume and consuming what we produce. Through mechanization, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Kogi aims not only to feed its population but also to support neighboring states and develop surplus for export,” he explained.
He further noted, “Agriculture remains the most viable avenue for job creation, particularly for the thousands of graduates emerging annually from our universities.”
Mathew Ajayi, Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, underscored that this collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to enhance food security and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported food products.
“Nigeria allocates billions of dollars each year to food imports. Our objective is to reverse this by promoting staple crops such as rice, maize, soybeans, alongside cash crops for export. The partnership with Kogi State and Onida Agri is pivotal in achieving this goal and generating substantial revenue through agricultural exports,” Ajayi stated.
Victor Omofaiye, Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, emphasized the agency’s critical role in ensuring farmers receive equitable market prices and gain access to export markets.
“Our mission is to enhance food security, establish a robust commodity exchange, and facilitate export opportunities. By improving market access, we will protect farmers from exploitation and transform crops like rice into viable export commodities,” he affirmed.
Israel Kidron, Managing Director of Onida Agri and Aquaculture Solutions Ltd, praised Kogi’s fertile soil and abundant water resources, identifying the state as an ideal hub for modern agricultural practices.
“Kogi offers all the essential conditions for successful farming. Our plan is to implement technologically advanced, year-round farming operations, utilizing improved crop varieties and mechanization. Additionally, we will provide farmer training and knowledge transfer to boost productivity and quality,” Kidron explained.
He added that Onida Agri, with over 35 years of agricultural expertise across Africa and 15 years in Nigeria, is dedicated to supporting Kogi’s quest for food security while positioning its produce competitively in global markets.
This partnership will extend to several local government areas within Kogi State, creating jobs, empowering farmers, and establishing the state as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural value chain transformation.
