Kwara govt sensitises residents on agricultural productivity
The Kwara State Government, through the State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, has commenced sensitisation of stakeholders in communities across the state programme, which is designed to boost agricultural productivity through the industrialisation of rural areas to enhance wealth creation and poverty reduction in the state.
Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, the State Project Coordinator of the Kwara Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, made this known on Monday during the sensitisation programme in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Coordinator, stakeholders to be involved range from Traditional Rulers, Local Government Council Officers, livestock and crop Farmers to members of different Non-Governmental Organizations, adding that the exercise which commences in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area today 3rd of February, with sensitisation on the general overview of the project, will also dwell on a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), on climate-smart agricultural technology, on from 4th of February.
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Speaking at the programme, the State Project Coordinator, who was represented by a Livestock Specialist, Kwara SAPZ Project, MrAbdulfatah Lekan Ambali, explained that the SAPZ programme, which is an initiative that His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will be used to mobilise investment in food production and processing in special zones for stakeholders.
The Coordinator, therefore, sought the cooperation and support of the people at the grassroots for the successful implementation of the project.
Rolling out the programme’s benefits, Engr Busari highlighted agricultural industrialisation, improved food security, economic diversification and others, urging farmers to key into the project.
Thanking the State Governor for his love and passion for developing the rural areas and every part of the state, the Emir of Okuta and Chairman of Baruteen Local Government Traditional Council, Dr. (Alhaji) Idris Abubakar Serobetete II, disclosed that Baruteen people are predominantly farmers; hence the SAPZ project is a massive opportunity for the people.
“We are delighted Baruteen is one of the LGAs hosting the project. We promise Baruteen will always be more eager to participate than any other LGA. When we talk of livestock and crop farming, Baruteen is not left behind. And this is part of why Kwara is a food basket for Nigeria. If this programme succeeds, there will be a new narrative in the state’s history of agriculture”, the royal father noted.
Welcoming the sensitisation team, the Chairman of Baruteen Local Government Council, Alhaji Jubri Issa, who the Head of Agric represented, Baruteen Local Government Area, Dr Abdulkareem Abdullahi, assured the government of their readiness to key into the project.
The participants expressed their delight in the inclusive involvement in the project, stating that this will stimulate farmers’ interest.
