Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has significantly impacted the state’s agricultural sector by saving over N20 billion by recovering and refurbishing 200 abandoned tractors.
In an interview, Ododo highlighted his administration’s innovative approach to revitalising the tractors previously left unused by farmers in various settlements within and outside the state.
Ododo recognised the economic challenges faced by the state and the cost implications of procuring new tractors, especially considering the instability of foreign exchange rates and the logistical hurdles of importation.
To address these issues, he assembled a team of engineers to refurbish the existing tractors, effectively saving the state government billions of naira that would have been spent on new purchases.
The governor emphasised that procuring a brand-new tractor with complete accessories would exceed N70 million. Therefore, refurbishing approximately 200 tractors for around 20 billion naira proved cost-effective.
The engineers worked tirelessly at the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) workshop in Lokoja to bring these tractors back to life.
Governor Ododo revealed that his administration has already spent over 2 billion naira in refurbishing 140 tractors, with plans to continue this effort.
The impact of this initiative has been felt by the farmers and the people of Kogi State, who can attest to the positive results.
The governor expressed his commitment to cutting costs and serving the people, stating that governance is about finding efficient ways to deliver public services.
In addition to the tractor refurbishment project, Governor Ododo’s administration has invested over N7 billion in providing farm implements, seedlings, and essential supplies to nearly 10,000 farmers across 76 farm clusters in all 21 local government areas of the state.
This investment aims to rejuvenate the agricultural value chain and support farmers in fully-fledged farming.
Governor Ododo’s vision extends beyond Kogi State, as he envisions it becoming a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria. With its fertile land, abundant water bodies, and the enthusiasm of its youthful population, Kogi State has the potential to become the country’s food basket.
The governor emphasised the need for massive agricultural investment to combat the current inflationary trend and ensure the nation’s food security.
To achieve this goal, Governor Ododo’s administration has trained numerous young people in the state as operators and service engineers for the refurbished tractors. These individuals have been deployed to the 76 farm clusters, where they will cultivate hectares of farmland under the “One Farmer, One Hectare Program”. The government is dedicated to providing the necessary support and resources, including security, to sustain and expand agricultural production in the state.
Governor Ododo’s commitment to agriculture and belief in Kogi State’s potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food production are evident.
