Kogi State Government has flagged off the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan disbursement under the ACReSAL project.
The scheme, in partnership with the World Bank, is designed to address the challenges of climate change and support community agricultural efforts.
Governor Ododo, in his remarks at yesterday’s ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project and emphasised his administration’s commitment to agricultural development.
The governor said his administration has implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity within five months, including providing agricultural machinery for mechanisation, agricultural inputs, training, and capacity building for farmers.
The CRF loan disbursement prioritises women, with 70 percent female beneficiaries.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the loan judiciously, stressing that it is designed to support their agricultural endeavours and improve their livelihoods.
Ododo assured that the loan would boost agricultural practices in the catchment areas, leading to increased food production and security.
Earlier, the speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Jibril Abu, stressed the importance of partnership for progress, as highlighted in the 17 thematic areas of the SDGs. He commended the governor for his leadership and commitment to the state’s development.
Also, the state project coordinator of ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Jatto, commended the governor for his commitment to the project’s success in the state, saying the governor has made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project.
She called on the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity presented by the cheques being presented to them by using the funds for the stipulated purpose.
Each of the cluster group of farmers went home with N25,000 each.
The commissioner for finance, budget and economic planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru and his environment and ecological management counterpart, Engr Olusegun Joseph, thanked the governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor.
The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also commended the governor for supporting the agricultural sector. They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely loan repayment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community development.
