FGN/IFAD-VCDP Partners with Kogi Government to Strengthen Agriculture Across Five LGAs in 2025 Wet Season Initiative
In a major push to boost food production and improve livelihoods, the Kogi State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme-Additional Financing (VCDP-AF), has commenced the distribution of essential farm inputs to 330 farmers across the state.
The initiative, which kicked off on Saturday in Lokoja, marks a significant phase in the 2025 wet season support programme aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring food security. The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, who was represented by the Ministry's Director of Administration, Hajia Mariat Ibrahim, officially flagged off the distribution.
Ojomah lauded the VCDP for its sustained impact on agriculture in Kogi, noting that the initiative is directly contributing to economic growth and rural development. He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector through proactive policies and continuous support for farmers.
The State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Dr. Stella Adejoh, explained that the intervention is being implemented across five key local government areas—Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Olamaboro, Kabba-Bunu, and Ibaji. According to her, this latest phase brings the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 5,600 farmers since the programme began in the state. “This programme is inclusive, targeting women, youth, and vulnerable groups,” Adejoh said. “The input distribution is a cost-sharing model where farmers contribute 50 percent, while the VCDP covers the remaining half. It ensures ownership, responsibility, and sustainability.”
She cautioned farmers against selling the inputs and assured that monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure proper utilization. Adejoh also thanked the state governor for creating an enabling environment and for the timely payment of counterpart funds, which have facilitated smooth programme implementation.
The Managing Director of Kogi Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr. George Ogirima, praised the state government for placing agriculture at the forefront of its development agenda. He further acknowledged the exceptional performance of the VCDP team in executing projects that have significantly impacted farmers across the benefiting LGAs.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Salihu Abdullahi from Lokoja and Mrs. Esther Joseph from Olamaboro, expressed deep appreciation for the support. They pledged to make the best use of the inputs to secure a bountiful harvest during the wet season.
“We are sincerely thankful. This support will help us reduce hardship and increase our yield,” Joseph remarked.
Items distributed during the event include improved rice seeds, Urea and NPK fertilizers, selective and non-selective herbicides, and insecticides, among other crucial inputs.
With this continued support, the Kogi Government and its development partners are optimistic about achieving food sufficiency and enhanced livelihoods for farming communities in the state.
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