By Hon. Matthew Ochada (HMO)
Let us be frank, my fellow Kogites. How many times have we been assured of sweeping agricultural reforms, only to see our expectations fade like parched crops in the dry season? Yet, when I reflect upon the strides Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has made in advancing Kogi State’s agricultural sector, I am compelled to ask: Is this not the very caliber of leadership for which we have long yearned in our nation?
When Governor Ododo declared agriculture as the linchpin of his administration’s economic vision, skeptics were quick to dismiss it as mere political rhetoric and grammar that ends at the podium. Yet today, even the staunchest cynics must concede that an extraordinary transformation in Agriculture is unfolding in the Confluence state. His recent Award as Governor of the Year in Agriculture by the Leadership Excellence and Dignity Awards was no manna from the heavens; rather, it was the fruitful yield of seeds sown through deliberate and strategic policymaking.
Since assuming office, Gov. Ododo’s administration has ignited nothing short of an agricultural renaissance. The recent distribution of advanced farming equipment, power tillers, rice transplanters, and rice reapers, commemorating his first year in office, signifies far more than the mere handover of machinery. It heralds a transformative shift from the age old, back breaking toil of cutlass-and-hoe farming to a modernized, mechanized system poised for global competitiveness. After all, did our grannies of old not impart the timeless wisdom that a farmer who clings to antiquated methods is destined to reap the same meager harvests, season after season?
It is noteworthy that Governor Ododo’s administration has achieved substantial fiscal prudence by saving the state government over 20 billion Naira through the recovery and meticulous refurbishment of approximately 200 tractors. These tractors, restored to near-new condition both physically and mechanically, were deployed in the 2024 wet season farming across the state. Procuring new tractors with full accessories would have cost the government over 70 million Naira each, amounting to more than 20 billion Naira for the entire fleet. This commendable effort, executed by a skilled team of engineers in Lokoja, shows a profound commitment to cost-efficiency. In governance, the noblest sacrifice lies in prudent resource management for the greater good of the people.
The distribution of over 550 metric tonnes of fertilizers to farmers across the 21 local government areas is a powerful pointer to genuine agricultural commitment. This initiative transcends the usual rhetoric of “audio agriculture” that has long characterized our political landscape. When a governor personally inaugurates the distribution of wet-season fertilizers in June, ensuring timely delivery to farmers during the crucial planting period, he showcases a profound grasp of the agricultural calendar, a level of foresight that many of his peers fall short of demonstrating.
The commitment of N200 million to the Climate Smart Agriculture program exemplifies Governor Ododo’s foresight in recognizing the need for our agricultural practices to adapt to a changing climate. As our local proverb cautions, “The farmer who refuses to change his methods will blame the gods for poor harvest.” Governor Ododo is ensuring that our farmers have no cause to seek divine excuses, but are instead equipped to secure bountiful yields.
But perhaps what strikes me most is the comprehensive approach. The procurement and distribution of various farming implements: cassava processing equipment, rice milling machines, tractors, harvesters, and more, speaks to a vision beyond mere cultivation. This is about building an agricultural ecosystem that transforms Kogi into a food basket and an economic powerhouse.
The governor has astutely reinstated operations at the Confluence Rice Mill. One must ponder: what rationale justified allowing such a vital asset to languish in disuse while our people endured the burden of procuring imported rice at exorbitant costs? It is akin to owning a water reservoir within one’s premises, yet purchasing water from passing tankers, an irony both wasteful and avoidable.
Furthermore, the governor’s endorsement of progressive ventures like the Artificial Insemination Program and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project reveals a leadership attuned to the imperative that true agricultural transformation must embrace both crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Is this not the comprehensive, forward-thinking approach our agricultural sector has long awaited?
Let us not lose sight of the practical implications these interventions carry. The provision of essential agricultural inputs, enhanced seeds, herbicides, and pesticides, directly addresses long-standing obstacles that have hindered our agricultural productivity. These measures are not abstract theories but tangible instruments that lead to measurable increases in yield.
Particularly praiseworthy is the Governor’s collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s Value Chain Development Programme. This partnership reflects a profound understanding that agriculture extends beyond mere cultivation; it is about constructing a value chain that uplifts every participant, from the diligent farmer to the discerning consumer. This is the epitome of “sense plus book knowledge”, the fusion of practical wisdom with formal education.
Furthermore, the training of 500 young farmers in modern agricultural techniques underscores a vision that transcends short-term victories. It signifies a commitment to sustainable agricultural progress. As our elders wisely say, “What you teach a child to do will outlive you.” Governor Ododo is empowering the youth with knowledge and technology, laying the foundation for an agricultural revolution that will endure beyond his tenure.
We must also remember that Kogi State’s strategic position as the confluence state grants it an unparalleled agricultural advantage. Yet, potential without purposeful leadership is like a hidden treasure, buried beneath the soil while its rightful owners languish in poverty. For years, this blessing lay dormant, awaiting visionary leadership to bring it to fruition.
As we reflect upon these accomplishments, it becomes imperative to confront the difficult questions that define our national progress. For decades, Nigeria has championed the cause of diversifying from oil dependence to unlocking the vast potential of agriculture. Yet, we persist in importing produce that our fertile lands are more than capable of yielding. We expend billions on food imports while our arable lands remain underutilized. Is it not time we championed leaders who can transform agricultural promises into tangible realities?
Governor Ododo’s steadfast commitment to agriculture is both timely and commendable in light of our prevailing economic challenges. As fuel subsidies fade and the naira battles devaluation, food security emerges not merely as an economic concern but as a fundamental pillar of national stability. A nation beset by hunger cannot hope for enduring peace.
Some may argue that every governor shows support for agriculture, but I ask: how many have demonstrated such unwavering dedication within their first year in office? How many have seamlessly merged visionary planning with swift, decisive action? How many have ensured that agricultural initiatives benefit genuine farmers rather than being diverted to political allies?
My fellow Kogites, when we find good governance, we must acknowledge it. Not to praise individuals, but to establish standards by which we measure others. The agricultural transformation happening in Kogi under Governor Ododo’s leadership should become a benchmark for other states.
Let us remember that agricultural revolution is not just about increased food production. It is about economic empowerment, poverty reduction, youth engagement, and national security. By investing heavily in agriculture, Governor Ododo is addressing multiple challenges with one strategic thrust.
But as our elders say, “Even the longest journey begins with a single step.” Governor Ododo has taken not just steps, but bold strides. His approach to agriculture reflects a deep understanding that food security is national security. In a time of global food crisis, a leader who prioritizes agriculture is not just feeding his people today but securing their tomorrow.
The award recognizing His Excellency as the best governor in agriculture is well-deserved. But the true award will be the transformation of Kogi’s agricultural landscape and the improved livelihood of its farmers. That is an award that cannot be displayed on shelves but will be evident in the prosperity of the people.
In conclusion, Governor Ododo’s agricultural revolution is not just about winning awards; it is about winning the war against hunger, unemployment, and economic stagnation. It is about returning dignity to farming and creating a sustainable future for the next generation.
The seeds have been planted. The early harvests are promising. If this momentum is maintained, Kogi State may well become the food basket that feeds not just Nigeria, but Africa. And that, my fellow Kogites, would be an achievement worthy not just of awards, but of a place in our national history.
– Hon. Matthew Ochada writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
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