Governor engages agric investors, says Kogi is safe

Governor Bello said with “bold investments” Kogi state has the capacity to become Nigeria’s largest cassava producer.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Matthew Kolawole, he maintained that the thrust of his new direction government in agriculture is to make agriculture a business in the state.

“Agriculture is the main stay of the economy and the oil well of Kogi State,” the governor said.

“Making agriculture a business concern and not just farming for farming sake is one of the most important priorities of my Government. The Policy thrust of the administration on agriculture is to produce food and ensure food security for the people of the state, its neighboring states and Nigeria at large.

“Successes recorded on agricultural productivity at Omi Dam Agricultural Initiatives will be replicated in the other parts of the state and huge investment in security infrastructure to secure life and property;50 tonnes per hour rice mill at Omi, Massive rice planters at Omi, Green house farming for vegetables; Procurement and distribution of 1500 power tillers to farmers free of charge in the three Senatorial Districts; and Massive construction of fish ponds for youths.

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“This meeting is to engage with the private sector of our economy to drive the whole value chain of agricultural sector of Kogi State economy. Specifically, Kogi State is seeking from your organization collaboration in the following areas of processing, off-taker and backward integration,” he added.

The governor expressed his administration’s determination to create the enabling environment for investment.

Speaking earlier, the minister of agriculture, Audu Ogbeh described Kogi as one of the states with vast human, and natural resources “and can do greatly in agriculture.”

In his remarks, the commissioner for finance, Asiwaju Idris said the Bello administration has put in place reforms that would encourage investments in the state.

“On the basis on making investment easy for those interested, we have put in place proper reforms. Aliko Dangote has tasted wealth in Kogi State. Come and join him and become a billionaire,” the commissioner announced.

The chief of staff, Edward Onoja said the state intends to create jobs for its teaming youth through the agricultural value chain.

Onija said the Bello administration hopes to transform Kogi from a civil service state to a commercially viable state though its Agriculture Rebirth Programme.

The event had in attendance partners from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Guinness, Nigeria Breweries among others.

Similarly, the Kogi state government has keyed into the proposed cattle colony to end the persistent farmers/herdsmen clashes.