..: Projects aim to boost farmers’ access to markets, improve rural livelihoods
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday toured multiple rural road projects in Asa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to spreading development and connecting rural communities to economic opportunities.
The Governor inspected the 17.7km Madi–Peeke Road and the 23.23km Okolowo Express–Sokoto–Tafatafa–Elere–Owode Oja–Baba Kudu–Akopari–Otte Oja Road, both part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). The initiative, jointly funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency, has received over N4bn in counterpart funding from the state government.
AbdulRazaq urged contractors to deliver quality work within reasonable timelines, stressing that improved road access would empower farmers, facilitate trade, and boost grassroots GDP. “Access to the market means empowerment and an increase in GDP for people at the grassroots,” he said.
During the visit, the Governor stopped at a Garri processing centre in Owode Oja, where he pledged support for mechanisation to enhance productivity without displacing jobs. He also visited the local Primary Health Care Centre, underscoring his administration’s focus on sustainable livelihoods, health, and business growth in rural areas.
Speaking on the broader economic outlook, AbdulRazaq noted that the new tax regime introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would increase revenue at state and local government levels. He assured that his government is determined to ensure the gains are felt by communities at the grassroots.
State RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Isaac Kolo, said construction work currently includes line drains and culverts, with earthworks and surface dressing set to commence after the rainy season.
Community leaders, including APC Women Leader Mrs. Suleiman Hamdalat and Gari Processing Association Chairperson Mrs. Khadijat Jimoh, lauded the Governor for his continued engagement and commitment to rural development.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Kwara State, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has described Kwara as a naturally endowed State with immense potential for agricultural growth, stating that beyond civil service, agriculture remains the most viable pillar of the State’s economy.
Dr. Abolore made these remarks while addressing participants during a technical session and townhall meeting organized under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) initiative in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). The engagement focused on strengthening ease of doing business and unlocking sectoral opportunities.
“Kwara is largely blessed in all that concerns agriculture. Our arable land, favorable climate, and strategic location between the North and South give the State a clear competitive edge in agricultural enterprise,” he stated.
The Commissioner lauded the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his transformative urban renewal efforts and unwavering backing for agriculture, through empowerment programmes, provision of timely inputs, and sustained investment in rural development.
“We have a Governor who is not just pro-agriculture but also proactive in ensuring our people—especially indigenous farmers—have what they need to thrive. This consistent commitment is why Kwara continues to gain ground in food production and agribusiness,” he said.
He noted that reforms under SABER will further open up Kwara’s agribusiness space, reduce bottlenecks, and attract investment into rural enterprises.
Dr. Abolore also encouraged members of the public to regularly engage with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to stay informed and benefit from ongoing initiatives. “We want people to take ownership of the opportunities available, by visiting the Ministry, asking questions, and registering for programmes. We are doing more to ensure every interested resident has a role to play in the sector.”
He assured that the Ministry remains committed to advancing innovation, expanding access to inputs, and facilitating investments across the agricultural value chain to sustain growth and food security in the State.
Ashaolu Omotola Press Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
… State Partners Arzikin Noma to Boost Grain Production, Curb Herder-Farmer Clashes
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Kwara State has launched a large-scale farm inputs distribution program targeting 3,000 farmers in Kaiama Local Government as part of efforts to enhance food security and livestock development. The initiative, a collaboration between the state government, Arzikin Noma, and international partner IDH, focuses on sorghum and soybean cultivation to address both human consumption and animal feed needs.
At the flag-off ceremony in Apata Alaje community, Livestock Development Commissioner Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas revealed the package includes 18,000 bags of fertilizer, 18,000 liters of agrochemicals (three different types), 75 metric tons of sorghum seeds, and 100 metric tons of soybean seeds. She emphasized the program’s potential to modernize livestock farming and reduce farmer-herder conflicts by ensuring adequate animal feed supply.
“The grains production initiative directly addresses the root cause of clashes while supporting our industrialisation agenda,” Thomas stated. “This ensures agricultural products get value addition within Kwara rather than leaving as raw materials.”
The event attracted top government officials including Transportation Commissioner Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi, who noted the project’s location would foster peace in the agrarian community. Special Adviser on Strategy Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam described it as part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agricultural transformation blueprint.
Private sector partners outlined their roles – Arzikin Noma CEO Adesola Adeoluwa guaranteed market access through off-takers like Olam, while IDH’s Dr. Daniel Abah emphasized creating sustainable agricultural value chains that benefit smallholder farmers.
Beneficiaries including Mrs. Asmau Muhammad and Iliasu Saka praised the intervention, pledging to maximize the inputs’ potential. The program represents Kwara’s latest move to position itself as Nigeria’s emerging agribusiness hub while resolving longstanding pastoral conflicts through innovative solutions.
Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi attributed falling food prices in Kwara to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s farming investments. He spoke at the University of Ilorin’s 9th Faculty of Agriculture Lecture themed “Agriculture and National Security.”
Alabi cited increased farmer support, counterpart funding, and strategic partnerships as key factors. He noted dry season farming initiatives are expanding to ensure year-round food supply, stabilize prices, and boost income. These efforts aim to optimize irrigation infrastructure and enhance food security.
Linking agriculture to national stability, Alabi called it a tool for economic growth and peace building. He highlighted Kwara’s peaceful environment as attracting agribusiness investments.
Keynote speaker Major-General Bello Alhaji Tsoho connected agriculture to national defense. The military officer and UniIlorin agriculture graduate stressed food insecurity could trigger unrest without policy action. “National security extends beyond military might to include food systems,” he stated, urging treatment of agriculture as a security priority.
The event was hosted by Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole and Faculty Dean Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole.
… Kwara Government moves to accelerate seedling delivery and project implementation during the rainy season
The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) project team has carried out an on-the-spot assessment at the Lata Grazing Reserve to inspect ongoing preparations for the project’s implementation.
Led by State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, the team assessed the nursery and inspected seedlings meant for planting during the current rainy season. The delegation included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Christianah Omolola Asonibare.
The visit aimed to evaluate the level of preparedness, verify the quality of seedlings delivered, and fast-track the nursery setup as part of efforts to green the environment and enhance climate resilience in the region.
Alhaji Aregbe noted that the project will foster collaboration among farmers, support afforestation, restore soil health, and boost agricultural productivity. He added that the initiative will provide long-term economic value to farming communities while reducing environmental degradation.
Dr. Afeez, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee, commended the team’s efforts and called for swift action in delivering the seedlings. He emphasized that community engagement and ownership would be key to the project’s success and sustainability.
The assessment also involved technical experts from relevant ministries and members of the State Project Implementation Unit, working under the ACReSAL vision of “Greening the Environment, Saving Lives.”
The visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has shielded Kwara State from the sharp rise in rural poverty recently highlighted by the World Bank, which reported that 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line.
Long before this stark statistic emerged, His Excellency had already begun laying the groundwork for rural development and economic empowerment across the state. A Buffer and a Prime Mover, His Excellency’s policies—centered on inclusivity, sustainability, and practical impact—are now producing measurable results in improving the standard of living for citizens.
Women and youths, once marginalized in economic development plans, have become central to Kwara’s progress story. Through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) and other empowerment schemes, thousands have accessed startup capital, vocational training, and digital skills—translating into jobs, business growth, and improved livelihoods in both urban and rural communities.
One of the boldest illustrations of this transformation is the Kwara Garment Factory, commissioned in August 2024. Equipped with advanced technology, including the only Oshima Cutting Machine in West Africa, the factory currently employs over 245 trained workers, with plans to scale up to 4,000. The factory produces around 6,000 garments daily and is rapidly becoming a key contributor to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
The impact of this project has been so significant that the Federal Government recently adopted it as a national model with the creation of the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board (CTGDB), domiciled in the Presidency. This step is part of a broader strategy aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy and combating insecurity through agribusiness, livestock development, and industrial growth—initiatives Kwara is already well ahead on.
Furthermore, value-chain projects such as the Shea Butter Processing Plant and the Innovation Hub (in partnership with HIS) are opening new doors for local producers and tech-savvy youths. These projects are creating a bridge between traditional industries and modern technology, allowing rural communities to connect with broader markets and digital opportunities.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has also strengthened rural development through its active participation in major national and international projects. Under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, the state is tackling land degradation and improving climate resilience in different parts of the state. These interventions promote sustainable land use, reforestation, and access to clean water.
Through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Kwara is enhancing animal health services and boosting livestock productivity in multiple rural locations. This initiative has improved food security and increased rural incomes, particularly among women and pastoralist communities.
Additionally, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Federal Government, is positioning Kwara as a regional hub for agro-industrial growth. With planned hubs and supported communities in various parts of the state, SAPZ will catalyze agribusiness investments, create jobs, and connect farmers to high-value markets.
As Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, I have observed firsthand how Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership is restoring dignity to rural life and building a foundation for sustainable development. His administration’s choices have not only improved living conditions but also inspired confidence in what purposeful governance can achieve.
Kwara’s story today is one of foresight, discipline, and people-focused leadership. And in these trying times, that makes all the difference.
As these transformative initiatives continue to expand, I call on all stakeholders—community leaders, private investors, development partners, and the good people of Kwara—to rally behind His Excellency’s bold rural development vision. Together, we can secure a future where no Kwara community is left behind.
…Initiative to train and empower corps members, young agripreneurs in livestock value chain
The Kwara State Government is set to launch a transformative livestock agribusiness programme targeting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other young people across the state, in a bid to drive youth empowerment, rural development, and innovation in the livestock sector.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp at Yikpata, Tsaragi District in Edu Local Government Area over the weekend. Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Commissioner explained that the initiative will train, equip, and fund young livestock entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is to turn job seekers into job creators,” Mrs. Thomas said. “This partnership with the NYSC allows us to deliver practical training in livestock production, business development, and access to finance within a supportive environment.”
Scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, the programme will be implemented through a public-private partnership secured by the state government. Participants will undergo an intensive three-month training at the Yikpata camp, after which they will receive starter packs and support to launch or grow their agribusinesses.
While corps members will be the primary beneficiaries during the orientation periods, the facility will also be made available to other youths during off-camp seasons.
NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, expressed strong support for the initiative, assuring the state’s readiness to collaborate fully and urging the government to prioritize security around the camp.
The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, to seek royal blessings and inform the traditional ruler about the planned youth empowerment programme.
The Kwara Youth Livestock Empowerment Programme is positioned to become a flagship project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, further cementing the state’s commitment to agribusiness, innovation, and youth development.
…Governor AbdulRazaq reinforces commitment to agriculture with large-scale support for farmers across 16 LGAs
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday flagged off another phase of machinery and agricultural input distribution to farmers across the 16 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to enhance food security and rural economic development.
Speaking at the symbolic launch in Ilorin, the Governor — represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau — described the gesture as a practical step towards poverty reduction and economic empowerment through agriculture.
“Our administration has consistently prioritised agriculture, not just as a sector, but as a tool to empower our people, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create sustainable jobs,” the Governor said. “What we are flagging off today is another wave of this assistance. More distributions will follow in organised batches, reaching deeper into our communities and reinforcing our shared productivity.”
Thursday’s distribution included 16 additional tractors, ploughs, harrows, and ridgers; 32,000kg (1,600 bags) of maize seeds; 18,000kg (360 bags) of Faro 44 rice seeds; and 10,800kg (270 bags) of TGX 1951 soya bean seeds. Farmers also received 720 sachets of inoculants, 5,040 bags each of NPK and urea, 720 bags of SSP, and various herbicides tailored for specific crops. To enhance chemical application, 2,400 knapsack sprayers were also distributed.
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted infrastructural gains made in the sector, including rehabilitation of rural roads, investment in irrigation, and support for farmer cooperatives.
“These inputs are not handouts — they are investments in your productivity, your future, and the prosperity of our state,” he told the farmers, urging them to use the resources wisely.
Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, noted that the intervention falls under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a World Bank-supported programme.
Chairman of the Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association, Abdullahi Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his continued commitment to agricultural growth and food sufficiency.
Dignitaries present included members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, the Emir of Shonga Dr. Haliru Yahaya, APC stakeholders, women groups, and youth representatives.
…State government intensifies livestock health efforts as part of broader strategy for food security, public health, and sector growth
Kwara State Government has vaccinated 132,792 animals across the state in a large-scale effort to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. The exercise targeted susceptible animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this while presenting the Ministry’s report at the quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin. She noted that the vaccination campaign covered 110,241 cattle, 16,009 sheep, and 6,542 goats.
Hon. Thomas stated that the mass vaccination campaign is part of the administration’s commitment to improving animal health, public safety, and agricultural productivity. She added that the newly created Ministry has also inaugurated a Live Bird Market to support poultry farmers and fowl sellers. The market, she said, will serve as a surveillance point to monitor and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
The Commissioner noted that a Cadre Harmonise analysis was recently conducted, with the findings presented to the national government, ECOWAS, and the United Nations by the National Task Force. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a modern and inclusive livestock sector capable of generating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering peace.
She highlighted key intervention programmes such as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme as instrumental to the progress being recorded in the livestock sector under the AbdulRazaq-led administration.
Hon. Thomas also revealed that the Ministry is finalising plans to begin a rabies vaccination campaign across the state, aimed at controlling and eliminating rabies cases caused by dog and cat bites. She emphasized that the present administration remains focused on safeguarding public health through proactive veterinary and agricultural policies.
…Commissioner visits Fasola, Oyo to understudy model farm as part of broader livestock development agenda
To boost livestock development in Kwara State, the state government is set to partner with Milki Barn Agroserv Limited to establish a fully functional dairy farm within its territory. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, during a working visit to Milk Barn Farm in Fasola, Oyo State over the weekend.
The visit, which also included the Director of Livestock at the Ministry, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed Umar, aimed to study the operational model of Milki Barn’s dairy section in preparation for replicating a similar initiative in Kwara. Hon. Thomas-Adebayo explained that the move is part of the state government’s broader effort to lay a solid foundation for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development and to enhance the state’s livestock value chain, with particular focus on cattle fattening, beef production, and dairy processing.
She emphasized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to unlocking the hidden potential of the livestock sector and creating opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors. According to the Commissioner, the present administration is intentional about opening up new economic opportunities that will improve livelihoods and drive sustainable agricultural growth.
In his remarks, Founder and CEO of Milki Barn Agroserv Limited, Mr. Tony Jibunoh, who conducted the team around the facility, expressed willingness to collaborate with the Kwara State Government in actualizing its vision for livestock development.
