Kwara partners NALDA to launch renewed hope mega farm settlement initiative
The Kwara State Government has announced a transformative partnership with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) under the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Settlement initiative, aimed at enhancing food production and boosting economic growth within the region.
This collaborative effort is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extensive agenda for economic diversification and rural revitalization.
The partnership was established following a significant meeting in Abuja between Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Mr. Segun Cornelius Adebayo, the Executive Secretary of NALDA. Also attending was Hon. Suleiman Abdullahi Belle, Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Smallholder Farmers Intervention.
Dr. Alabi hailed the initiative as a pivotal enhancement to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development in Kwara.
“This partnership bolsters our efforts to empower our people by providing access to land, essential agricultural inputs, and infrastructure. It aligns perfectly with our objectives for food security, job creation, and rural transformation,” Dr. Alabi noted.
As part of the initiative, key projects like the Ora Farm Settlement Scheme will see participating farmers receiving 5 hectares of farmland. NALDA will also contribute significantly by providing vital infrastructure, including schools, health centers, police posts, water reservoirs, perimeter fencing, and mechanization hubs, which are crucial for fostering sustainable farming communities.
Mr. Segun Cornelius Adebayo committed NALDA’s support for the upcoming planting season, which includes the provision of fertilizers, quality seedlings, agrochemicals, and tractor services. He emphasized that the initiative prioritizes the inclusion of youth and women in agricultural practices.
Additionally, other agricultural zones such as the Oro-Ago plantation in Ifelodun LGA and the Agbeyangi plantation in Ilorin East will receive vital support. In Oro-Ago, 18,000 hectares will be utilized for crop cultivation and pasture development, further improving food production and transforming previously idle lands into productive agricultural zones.
Dr. Alabi confirmed that the government is prepared to roll out this program across all three senatorial districts, aiming for a widespread impact.
“This collaboration with NALDA marks a significant advance in our pursuit of prosperity through agriculture,” he remarked.
This partnership aligns with Kwara’s long-term agricultural transformation strategy, which is focused on commercial expansion, value chain development, and economic upliftment in rural areas through strategic investments.
All stakeholders, including cooperatives, agribusinesses, and development partners, are encouraged to actively engage with this initiative to build a more food-secure and economically vibrant Kwara State.
