Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has committed to making Kogi State the leading hub for livestock production in Nigeria.
This declaration was made during the launch of a credit support scheme designed for 500 women and youth involved in the poultry value chain, on Tuesday .
The ceremony, held at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, saw Governor Ododo expressing his appreciation for the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the World Bank Group for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project. He hailed the project as a transformative force for the state’s agricultural sector.
Governor Ododo underscored the state’s commitment to achieving the goals of the L-PRES project.
He emphasized that Kogi State’s strategic location, extensive arable land, and abundant human resources would be leveraged to increase productivity and ensure food security, aligning with his administration’s campaign promises.
“This initiative seamlessly fits into our administration’s short, medium, and long-term plans to make Kogi State the epicenter of livestock production in Nigeria,” Governor Ododo stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting youths, women, and People With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Timothy Ojomah, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the credit supply initiative for livestock farmers would significantly improve the welfare of the people by enhancing livestock productivity.
Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the state coordinator of the L-PRES project, emphasized the project’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and youths in the agricultural sector.
He explained that the World Bank project aims to improve productivity and commercialization along the livestock value chain, build resilience among targeted livestock farmers, and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to crises or emergencies.
“One of the critical focus areas of L-PRES is to incorporate content and approaches to close gender gaps in livestock ownership and value-chain positions,” Dr. Bolarin said.
This includes training in socio-emotional skills to support women’s entrepreneurship and adjusting training content, delivery methods, and timing to accommodate gender differences in digital literacy, access, and household responsibilities.
Dr. Bolarin highlighted that the program is about more than just poultry; it is about fostering self-reliance and empowerment within communities.
“This program is about igniting the flames of self-reliance and empowerment within the very heart of our communities. It’s about nurturing the potential that resides within each of our beneficiaries, providing the support they need to unlock their potential.”
He emphasized the program’s commitment to the well-being of women, who are the backbone of families, and the youth, who are full of fresh ideas and ambition.
Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities provided by the state government and its partners.
The L-PRES project, a collaboration between the World Bank and the Kogi State government, has so far offered credit support to 500 women and youth farmers in the poultry value chain in Kogi State..
