Produce for Lagos Programme’ to Boost Food Security, Market Stability – Governor Ododo

Tunde Omoniyi

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has emphasized that his state’s involvement in the “Produce for Lagos Programme” will achieve food security, market stability, and inclusive growth.

He stated this on Wednesday in Lagos during the programme’s inauguration and the launch of the ₦100 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund.

He said, “A significant number of Kogi citizens have made Lagos their home, investing their skills, resources, and energy into the development of this great State.

“Kogi has always been part of the greatness of Lagos, and today, we’re elevating that legacy, by building a partnership that works, not just for two states, but for the entire nation.”

Speaking further, he said, “We see this partnership as a mutual investment in people, productivity, and prosperity. Kogi produces food.

Lagos consumes food. When we work together, what we achieve is food security, market stability, and inclusive growth.

“I want to thank my brother and colleague, His Excellency Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership and for inviting Kogi to be part of the Produce for Lagos programme and the launch of the ₦100 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund.

“This initiative is not only timely but transformational.

“It signals a bold and strategic step to align production with demand and strengthen food systems across regional boundaries.” Ododo stated.

On the commitment of his administration to agriculture, he said, “In Kogi State, our administration has made agriculture a top priority.

“We’re not just cultivating crops; we’re strengthening our agricultural value chain. We have prepared thousands of hectares of land across the state, provided improved seedlings and livestock breeds, deployed mechanized farming equipment, and extended grants to over 10,000 farmers to scale production.

“We’re proud that Kogi leads Nigeria in cassava production, and we’re among the top producers of yam, maize, and other cereals.

“We’re making strategic investments to boost ginger farming, one of the most commercially viable crops globally today.

“To support all of this, we’ve revitalised our agricultural extension services, ensuring that technical advice, inputs, and monitoring reach the farmers where they are.

“We know that more than 80% of our agricultural produce comes from the rural areas. Therefore, we are also investing in rural life, by remodeling healthcare facilities, building modern schools, electrifying underserved communities, and improving farm-to-market roads.

“What this partnership with Lagos achieves is market assurance. Our farmers can now produce with confidence, knowing that there is a structured and reliable offtake system in place.

“It’s not just about farming anymore, it’s about structured prosperity for the entire agricultural ecosystem.

“Let me also commend Origin Tech Group Nigeria Limited for their foresight and investment in this noble project.

“The private sector must play a central role in our national agricultural renaissance, and you’re leading by example.”

The governor also lauded President Bola Tinubu for the various initiatives established at the federal level to support food security.

“At the national level, we’re greatly inspired by the vision of our President, our father and our leader, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His administration’s Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme, with $1 billion already committed, has reaffirmed that agriculture is the new oil.

Mr. President has shown uncommon courage and clarity of purpose in redirecting our national energy toward food production and value chain development.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President, Nigeria needed a bold and patriotic leader who would not just echo hope, but implement it. In you, we have that leader.

“You’re building a Nigeria that eats what it produces and produces what it eats.

“Kogi is proud to align fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Today’s event is not just symbolic; it’s substantive.

“It marks a new vista of collaboration that puts people first and strengthens the pillars of national unity through shared prosperity.

“Let me once again assure the Government and people of Lagos State that this partnership won’t end on paper.

We’re committed to making it work for the sake of the farmers who plant, the traders who move, and the families who eat. Together, let’s prove that when states collaborate, Nigeria wins.”he submitted