Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State reiterated the government’s dedication to invest in agriculture and collaborate with stakeholders to combat food insecurity, as the state observes World Food Day.
The Governor emphasized that a primary objective of his administration is to bolster food production for the masses, striving to minimize extreme hunger and starvation.
Speaking at the 4th Kwara Food Summit, held in Ilorin, he highlighted the broader significance of World Food Day, underscoring its role in raising awareness about food security, safety, and eradicating hunger. The summit, organized by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Kwara Agriculture Network, focused on harnessing agricultural potential in the state, with an emphasis on financial support and technical advisory services.
Governor Abdulrazaq expressed concern over the persistence of chronic hunger around the world despite the critical importance of food. He stressed the urgency of collective efforts to address this crisis.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, he noted that the sub-theme aligns with the administration’s ongoing initiatives to enhance access to finance and technical support, particularly for small and medium enterprises within the agricultural value chains.
The government has been rolling out various initiatives through the Ministry of Agriculture to provide crucial support to local farmers, aimed at boosting their productivity.
In his closing remarks, the Governor commended the partnership of Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN) led by Al-Mustapha Ibrahim.
The event was attended by key figures including members of the Kwara House of Assembly, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, traditional rulers, and representatives from various financial institutions, universities, and agro-allied companies.
Hon. Gideon, in his message, assured continued legislative support for the government’s efforts in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Hon. Thomas announced the creation of the Kwara Agriculture Help Desk, designed to offer further assistance to farmers, processors, and investors in overcoming financial and technical challenges.
Dr. Olufemi Oladunni, the Executive Director of ARMTI, emphasized the importance of year-round irrigation farming for achieving food security. He praised Governor Abdulrazaq’s commitment to the agricultural sector.
Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, Executive Chairman of Kwara Agriculture Network (KAN), reiterated their dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity and support small-scale farmers with modern farming technologies. This collective effort is a step towards ensuring food sufficiency in the state.
