Ododo: Rewriting the Narrative of Agriculture and Insecurity in Kogi

Ododo: Rewriting the Narrative of Agriculture and Insecurity in Kogi

By Ozumi Abdul

Kogi State, known as the “Confluence State” for the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers, has long held significant agricultural potential.

For many years, this potential remained largely untapped. Farmers struggled with subsistence farming, limited resources, and a lack of infrastructure.

However, this situation is fast changing under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is committed to transforming Kogi’s agricultural landscape.

Governor Ododo, a farmer by background, understands the challenges faced by rural communities. His approach to agricultural development is collaborative rather than top-down.

Recently, he held a strategic meeting with Kogi farmers to emphasize his administration’s commitment to making Kogi a leader in food production.

A key component of this agricultural revolution is mechanization. The state government has revitalized disused tractors and provided over 100 to farming communities across Kogi’s 21 local government areas.

Additionally, the establishment of several farm clusters by the Ododo administration aims to create a more efficient and productive agricultural sector in Kogi.

Governor Ododo also prioritizes empowering farmers with knowledge and resources. His government is about creating a robust database to ensure farmers receive direct interventions, cutting out exploitative middlemen.

Subsidies for fertilizer and other farm inputs are part of the strategy to make essential tools more accessible.

Beyond production, Governor Ododo is addressing post-harvest losses by constructing storage facilities across the state. These facilities will enhance food security within the state and enable farmers to connect with wider markets across the nation.

The revolution extends to livestock as well. The plan by the Ododo administration to establish a state-of-the-art Livestock Service Centre will improve livestock productivity and commercialization, ensuring that all aspects of Kogi’s agricultural sector are addressed.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Security concerns in some rural areas and inadequate transportation infrastructure are significant hurdles.

However, Governor Ododo’s commitment and the collaborative spirit he fosters are generating optimism. Kogi’s agricultural revolution is still in its early stages, but the promise is clear.

With continued investment, collaboration, and a focus on empowering farmers, Kogi State is poised to become not only food secure but also an agricultural powerhouse within Nigeria.

*Addressing Insecurity*

In the wake of the abduction at Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State faced heightened insecurity. Amid this adversity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has launched innovative approaches to reshape the region’s security landscape.

Building on the security improvements made by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, Governor Ododo swiftly mobilized resources to address the escalating threat.

Central to his strategy is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering community-based security measures. This initiative equips local hunters with state-of-the-art protective kits and empowers them to collaborate effectively with law enforcement agencies.

In a recent phone interview with this writer, a local hunter shared Governor Ododo’s vision for a safer Kogi State. “The kidnapping incident in Osara was a wake-up call for all of us,” he said.

“Governor Ododo realized that traditional approaches alone were insufficient. He knew that the state needed a solution that leveraged community strengths and fortified defenses against criminal elements.”

“Under Governor Ododo’s guidance, the initiative to equip hunters with protective kits gained momentum. Bulletproof vests, communication devices, and specialized training became standard provisions, enabling local hunters to operate with enhanced safety and efficiency.

“We are not just protectors of wildlife; we are guardians of our communities,” the hunter disclosed.

The impact of Governor Ododo’s security provision initiative is evident. At the moment , there is noticeable reduction in crime and an increased sense of security.

Communities once gripped by fear are reclaiming their streets and public spaces, buoyed by vigilant local patrols and rapid response capabilities.

Governor Ododo’s initiative represents a paradigm shift in governance, prioritizing community empowerment and grassroots solutions.

By fostering collaboration between citizens and government agencies, he has not only fortified security infrastructure but also strengthened the social fabric of Kogi State.

As Governor Ododo remains committed to expanding and refining these security measures, his leadership continues to inspire hope. Despite challenges and electoral distractions, he demonstrates that with bold vision and decisive action, insecurity can be confronted, and communities can thrive.

Governor Ododo is defining his place in the history of Kogi State through his visionary and unique leadership model, showing that effective governance can make a significant difference without needing to boast.

Ozumi Abdul [email protected] is a journalist, fact-checker and PR expert.