Lokoja, Oct. 16, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Federal Government of Nigeria/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) has distributed tricycles worth millions of naira to rural farmers in Kogi State. The initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of the farmers and contribute to food security across the state.
During the distribution event held on Wednesday in Lokoja, Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to empower its citizens, especially those in rural areas. He emphasized the importance of supporting farmers to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.
“This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of rural farmers and boosting food production in Kogi State,” Ojomah said. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abdulsalam Segir, the commissioner expressed confidence that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration would continue to assist rural farmers through the VCDP, ensuring optimal agricultural output.
Ojomah reassured farmers that the government would persist in providing critical inputs to enhance their production capabilities. “We will consistently supply farmers with necessary farm equipment, fertilizers, chemicals, and other tools to support their farming activities,” he added.
He urged the beneficiaries to take care of the tricycles, stressing that they should be used responsibly to ensure long-term benefits. “We advise you to handle the tricycles carefully so that they can serve you effectively,” Ojomah said, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to improving the well-being of the people.
Commending the achievements of the Kogi VCDP under the leadership of Dr. Stella Adejoh, Ojomah assured that the government would continue to provide full support for the program.
Dr. Adejoh, the State Programme Coordinator (SPC) of IFAD-VCDP, explained that the tricycle distribution was part of the broader effort to empower farmers along the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and marketing. She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the tricycles, as they were intended to improve their livelihoods and the welfare of their families.
“This initiative is designed to enhance the lives of our farmers and ensure their full participation in the agricultural value chain,” Adejoh stated. “No one should think of selling their tricycle, as we have put monitoring mechanisms in place to prevent such actions.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Bala Musa, Chairman of the Gaskiya Cluster, expressed gratitude to IFAD/VCDP, the Kogi State government, and the Federal Government for their continued support of farmers in the state. He assured stakeholders that the beneficiaries would use the tricycles as intended and maintain them properly.
“We are committed to utilizing these tricycles for the purpose they were provided, and we will ensure they are well-maintained for our benefit,” Musa said.
The tricycles are expected to ease the transportation of farm produce, thus improving access to markets and boosting income for the farmers.(NAN)
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