Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, has highlighted climate change and population growth as significant challenges to food production and accessibility.
Speaking during the inauguration of the multi-sectoral State Working Committee on food security in Ilorin, the state capital, the Governor emphasized the need for concerted efforts from all levels of government to support smallholder farmers, empower rural communities, and leverage innovative technologies for enhanced food production.
He charged the committee with the responsibility of collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure affordable food access for the people of Kwara State.
Acknowledging the daunting challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and economic instability, Governor Abdulrazaq urged resilience and determination in overcoming these obstacles to secure food sustainability for the state.
The Committee comprises the Governor as the Chairman; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Oluwatoyosi Adebayo Thomas; the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs; the state Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture; NAGS-AP State Focal Person;
Others the representatives of the River Basin Development Authority (RBDA); representatives of the State ADPs; representative of ICT Providers servicing the state; representatives of relevant commodity associations — AFAN, Maize Cassava, Soybean, rice; Bank of Agriculture; Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc); and representative of the state traditional council and Etsu Tsaragi Alhaji Aliyu Kpotwa Abdullahi.
In her remarks, Adebayo-Thomas said the Committee has its work cut out for it and would work round the clock to make Kwara self-sufficient in food.
Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu said it is important for Nigeria to feed itself, asking the committee to remain committed to its terms of reference.
By Dare Akogun
