Kwara Gov Vows To Boost Agriculture For Food Security

Ilorin, Kwara State – In commemoration of World Food Day, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to invest in agriculture and partner with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem of food insecurity, as the state marks the World Food Day.

AbdulRazaq, represented by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, said the sub-theme aligns with the administration’s effort on the need to foster collaborations to improve access to finance as well as extension and technical advisory services especially for small and medium scale enterprises across the agricultural value chains as contained in its 10 years Agricultural Transformation Plan.

He said one of the key mandates of this government is to support food production for the masses, and ensure that extreme hunger and starvation are curtailed to the barest minimum.

“I am delighted to join you as we mark World Food Day ‘23 to create awareness on food security, food safety and zero hunger. This day is more than just about food; it is also about the people and communities that rely on it for their survival. It is also about the shared responsibility we all have to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and affordable food,” the Governor said in Ilorin at the 4th Kwara Food Summit – one of the flagship activities put together to commemorate the day.

The Summit was jointly organized by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Kwara Agriculture Network, with the sub-theme: “Harnessing Agricultural Potential in Kwara state; Roles of Agricultural Financing and Technical Advisory services’ ‘.

“At our level in Kwara State, we have made some significant strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. We shall continue to invest in agricultural development; we will also continue to partner with other governments and organizations to find lasting solutions to the problem of food insecurity”.

He said the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been rolling out a series of initiatives and programmes to ensure that the local farmers get the needed support to improve their productivity.

“Finally, let us celebrate the progress we have made in the fight against food insecurity and rededicate ourselves to the goal of a world free of hunger,” he added. The Governor commended the partnership of Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) under the headship of Al-Mustapha Ibrahim.

AbdulRazaq expressed concern that despite the importance of food to mankind there are millions of people around the World facing chronic hunger. He said all hands must be on deck to address the hunger crisis.

The event was attended by Kwara House of Assembly member and Chairman House Committee on Agriculture Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon; state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas; Olupako of Share Oba Haruna Olawale Sulaiman; Olusin of Ijara-isin Oba Ajibola Ademola Julius; Elerin of Adanla Irese Dr. David Oyerinola Adedumoye; Executive Director for ARMTI Dr. Olufemi Oladuni; Senator Solihu Mustapha ably represented by Prince Ayodeji Ajisefini; Executive Chairman Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) Al-Mustapha Ibrahim; representatives of Bank of Industry; Bank of Agriculture; Al-hikwah University; financial institutions and agro-allied companies and associations; among others.