Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has warned against the diversion, inequitable distribution, and exclusion of genuine farmers, promising to deal decisively with anyone involved in acts of sabotage related to the fertilizer distribution across the state.
During the flag-off ceremony in Lokoja on Saturday, Governor Ododo reiterated his commitment to developing the state’s agricultural sector.
He described the event as a fulfilling moment for him as a leader dedicated to serving the state’s best interests.
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He stated, “Let me warn everyone here today that this must not be politicized. It must go to the real farmers only.
I will be intentional in tracking these bags of fertilizer to ensure they reach the right places, in the right quantity, at the right time, and in the right hands of our dear farmers.
The era of politicians hijacking fertilizers is over.”
Governor Ododo, who described agriculture as a critical sector for the country’s economic recovery, noted that the state’s rich and expansive landmass, water bodies, and political will to invest massively in agriculture would enhance its ability to guarantee food security and sufficiency.
The Governor announced that 50 percent of the current batch of the state’s fertilizer supply would be allocated to farmers in Ibaji and Bassa local government areas, where there are more clusters of farmers in the Eastern Senatorial District.
He promised to extend further support to all genuine farmers in the state.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tireless efforts to address the country’s economic challenges by increasing incentives for agricultural production across all states of the federation.
While appreciating the continued support from farmers in Kogi State, Governor Ododo assured the farming communities that his administration would maintain its commitment to ensuring food security in the state.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his numerous interventions that have positioned Kogi State as a major hub for agricultural production in Nigeria.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project, Mr. George Ogirima, noted that the federal government’s decision to provide trucks of fertilizer for distribution to farmers in the state aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision to revamp the state’s agricultural sector.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security provided 25 trucks of fertilizer for distribution to farmers in Kogi State as part of efforts to increase food production during this year’s wet season farming.
TheWitness