The Kogi State Government says its doors are always opened to investors who are willing to do business in the State.
Capt. Idris Wada, the State Governor, gave the assurance when he granted audience to a Federal Government delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and LR, an Israeli Company contracted by the Federal Government to explore and develop Agro Industrial towns in Nigeria.
Kogi State was selected as pilot states by the Federal Government for the LR Group of Israel to explore and develop an Agro Industrial Town fashioned in line with the Israeli’s Moshaf Concept.
The State Governor who was represented by his Deputy Yomi Awoniyi, expressed happiness that the Agro Industrial Town project places emphasis on the youths development and empowerment.
The Governor noted that the idea to develop a farm settlement, equipped with modern infrastructures that will support the practice of Agriculture will enable youths take to Agriculture.
The Governor added that the farm system which will also be attractive would equally stem rural-urban migration, assured of the State Government support towards the realization of the project.
While noting that the present administration in the State has absolutely keyed into the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, regarding Agriculture, Capt. Wada assured that his administration will not rest on its oars in making Agriculture the fulcrum of developing the State.
Capt. Wada commended the Federal Government for choosing the State for the pilot program, assured the LR Group of necessary technical and other support in the realization of the Agro Industrial town concept.
In his remarks, Mr. Zvi Herman, Executive Director LR Group of Israel, said they are in the State to design a blueprint for the establishment and implementation of an Agro Industrial Town project for the State as a pilot that will be replicated in other States of the Federation.
Mr. Herman, described Agriculture as an evolving profession, said the sophisticated approach of the AIT, will lead to increase market value and interest of youths in farming.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Niyi Odunlami, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the Minister of Agriculture and leader of the delegation, said the choice of Kogi State for the pilot program followed the overwhelming success achieved by the State Crop Processing Zone, sited in the State.
Dr. Odunlami said the AIT concept of farming is basically aimed at encouraging youths embrace agriculture.
Kogi State was chosen as a pilot for the AIT, according to Dr. Odunlami in view of the support and eagerness shown by the present administration. He commended the State for buying into the Agric transformation initiative of the Federal Government.
