Kwara Government reaffirms commitment to agricultural development for job creation

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs, and eradicating hunger in the state.

The governor made this pledge during the closing ceremony of a capacity-building program for 100 extension agents and farmers on small ruminant production and crop residue processing. The training, organized by Synergy Impact Consultant Limited, was held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Idofian.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the governor emphasized that the training was part of the administration’s efforts to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and extension agents in Kwara. He commended the participants and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to achieve meaningful outcomes.

“Our administration is deeply invested in human capital development to drive food security and impact the lives of citizens positively,” he said.

The World Bank’s Co-Task Team Leader for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, assured the Kwara State Government of continued World Bank support for improved livestock productivity and commercialization of value chains in the state.

Dr. Anyiro highlighted that the training aligned with L-PRES objectives, which aim to address challenges limiting livestock productivity, promote ranching, and mitigate farmer-herder conflicts caused by competition for natural resources like water and pasture. He also encouraged participants to view pasture development as a viable business opportunity, a frequently overlooked yet profitable aspect of livestock farming.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Jiddah, emphasized the importance of the training in ensuring access to quality animal feed and nutrition. He urged participants to apply their knowledge effectively to justify the resources invested in the program.

The L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, noted that the initiative underscored the administration’s commitment to food and nutrition security for both humans and animals. He charged participants to contribute actively to realizing the government’s vision for agricultural transformation.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Professor Abiodun Afolayan pledged to utilize the knowledge gained to revolutionize agribusiness in the state.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, marking another milestone in the state’s agricultural development agenda