Buoyed by the need to encourage Kogi youth to see agriculture as the saviour of the Nigerian economy, the Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Governor, Kingsley Fanwo, has initiated an agribusiness support program in Takete Ice/Otafun Ward, Mopamuro local government area of Kogi state.
The agro-business initiative is a well thought out youth empowerment programme aimed at supporting existing young farm owners in the rural area.
The governor’s aide provided cash support for youth who own farms after verification and pledges to supply beneficiaries with special cassava stem breed for improved output. The breed will be ready for harvest in one year.
He also disclosed that there are plans to get off-takers who will buy the harvests straight from the farm.
One of the beneficiaries of the program, Johnson Balogun thanked Mr. Kingsley Fanwo for coming to his aid in boosting his capacity to produce more.
“The support from Mr. Fanwo is quite relieving. He is trying to drive us back to agriculture which is a welcome development. Youth in this community are now going back to farming because that is the only way one can benefit from the program”.
Speaking to newsmen in Lokoja, Mr. Fanwo said he is buoyed by the need to encourage youth to see agriculture as the Savior of the Nigerian economy.
He said: “I started by having my own farm, a five thousand heaps cassava farm. I am now giving financial support to the youth to do same and get empowered. I won’t waste my resources on buying them alcohol. We need to empower our youth through agriculture and make it possible for them to be able to earn respectable income. I hope to expand the program and grant more fund to people who are ready to expand their agricultural operations. What I have decided to do is in line with the directive of the Chief Farmer of Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello who has directed that we must have farms. We also granted funds to support petty traders and widows. The New Direction Agenda is all about empowering the people of Kogi State “.
