Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has launched the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan disbursement initiative, enabling farmer cluster groups in the state to access $25,000 each.
This program is part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in collaboration with the World Bank, aimed at combating climate change challenges and bolstering community agricultural efforts.
During the unveiling ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, the state capital, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved and reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing agriculture.
He highlighted various initiatives undertaken within the past five months to boost agricultural productivity, including the provision of mechanized farming equipment, agricultural inputs, and comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for farmers.
The CRF loan prioritizes women, with 70% of the beneficiaries being female. Governor Ododo urged the recipients to use the loan wisely to enhance their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.
He emphasized that the loan would significantly improve agricultural practices in the target areas, leading to increased food production and food security.
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, represented by Jibril Abu, praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving progress, as outlined in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He commended Governor Ododo for his leadership and dedication to the state’s development.
Ladi Jatto, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, also applauded the governor’s commitment to the project’s success. She urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds appropriately to achieve the intended agricultural improvements.
State Commissioners Mukadam Asiru (Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning) and Engr Olusegun Joseph (Environment and Ecological Management) expressed their gratitude to the governor for addressing the needs of the rural poor.
The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also commended Governor Ododo for his support of the agricultural sector.
Beneficiaries of the CRF loan expressed their gratitude to Governor Ododo, noting the prompt payment of salaries, including the early payment of June salaries before the Sallah celebration.
They assured the governor of their commitment to using the loan effectively to boost their agricultural productivity and improve their communities.
The CRF loan disbursement marks a significant milestone in Kogi State’s agricultural development, expected to positively impact both the beneficiaries and the state’s agricultural sector as a whole.
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