By Maryam Abubakar Gulma in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has assured farmers of his administration’s readiness to provide financial and input support to cushion their production shortfalls and sustain food security across the state.
Ododo made the pledge on Sunday while hosting farmers from Kupa, Oworo, Kakanda, and Eggon communities in Lokoja Local Government Area at the Government House, Lokoja.
The governor noted that although Kogi has recorded significant progress in reducing food inflation due to increased farming activities, many farmers still struggle with the rising cost of agricultural inputs, making it difficult for them to break even.
He said his administration would step in to “bridge the gap” by partnering with companies that support farmers, ensuring that farmers continue to enjoy affordable inputs.
“We will go into an agreement with the companies supporting our farmers. Government will make up the shortfall so that farmers can continue to access inputs at affordable rates,” Ododo said.
He called on the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly to profile all farmers to determine the exact amount needed to support the 2025 dry-season farming. According to him, the loans to be provided will be interest-free, with government ensuring fair and transparent distribution of farm inputs.
Governor Ododo,who further assured that the state government would off-take 100 per cent of farm produce to prevent exploitation of farmers by middlemen, advised farmers to remain honest in their dealings to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.
The governor directed his cabinet members to actively engage in farming and establish warehouses to prevent post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices across the state.
Ododo disclosed plans to constitute a task force to coordinate the state’s agricultural programmes and called on other state governments and private investors to key into Kogi’s produce off-take initiative before the new farming season begins.
On security, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to ending banditry in the state, adding that local hunters would be better organized and coordinated to enhance community safety.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, RT.Hon. Aliyu Umar, who led the delegation, commended the governor for his consistent support to farmers.
He recalled that in 2022, the state government distributed tractors, fertilizer, and chemicals to farmers free of charge, an effort that resulted in record harvests that year. He added that despite producing crops worth over ₦1 billion, the recent crash in market prices and high fuel costs have made it difficult for some farmers to repay their loans or reinvest.
The speaker appealed for the governor’s continued intervention, especially in subsidizing solar power and other farm inputs.
In their goodwill messages, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu from Eggon Community and former Speaker l,Hon. Abdurrahman Dangana,both commended Governor Ododo for tackling banditry, which has hampered agricultural activities in rural areas.
They, however, called for more government support in security, road infrastructure, and subsidized farm inputs to boost agricultural productivity and rural development.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
