Ibaji, Kogi State – In a major stride towards boosting agricultural productivity, the Kogi State Government has commenced the distribution of fertilizers to farmers in Ibaji Local Government Area. The exercise, spearheaded by the state’s agricultural team on behalf of the Executive Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo Ahmed, marks a significant step in empowering local farmers to enhance their output and contribute to the state’s agricultural development.
The delegation, led by Hon. Otaru Abdulkadir Onorvoyiza, Special Adviser on Agriculture, included Hon. Honorius Arome, Senior Special Assistant on Farm Input, Dr. Bello George Ogirima, Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project, Alhaji Lawal, Chief Store Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Alhassan Iyaji, Director of the Commercial Agricultural Development Program, and Anb. Idris Ozivehe Muraina, Chairperson of the Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET).
The historic move to strengthen Kogi State’s agricultural sector and uplift local farmers, the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo Ahmed, has launched a comprehensive fertilizer distribution initiative aimed at core farmers in Ibaji Local Government Area. The program, hailed for its transparency and efficiency, is part of the Governor’s larger vision for agricultural transformation across the state.
A key figure driving this initiative is Hon. Honorius Arome, Senior Special Assistant on Farm Inputs, whose commitment and hands-on leadership have made him an instrumental force in ensuring the success of the distribution process. Hon. Arome, alongside other notable officials, spearheaded the effort to deliver much-needed agricultural inputs directly to farmers, empowering them to improve crop yields and boost overall productivity.
“This initiative is an evidence to Governor Ododo’s unwavering commitment to the development of agriculture in Kogi State. As a government, we are focused on empowering farmers with the right tools to succeed, and this fertilizer distribution is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” Hon. Arome said during the launch.
He added, “For the first time, we are witnessing a fertilizer distribution exercise that is fully transparent, where every deserving farmer gets their share without any interference or manipulation. This is the kind of leadership that Governor Ododo brings – one that is rooted in fairness, transparency, and tangible results for the people.”
A Call for Accountability and Productivity
Hon. Arome did not mince words in his charge to the farmers, reminding them that the government’s investment in the agricultural sector was a significant one, and the results of their work would reflect the success of the program. He urged them to utilize the fertilizers judiciously, noting that their output would not only boost the state’s food security but also stand as a testament to Governor Ododo’s visionary policies.
“The Governor has placed his trust in you, the farmers of Ibaji, to use this opportunity to elevate your production levels. The success of this initiative rests in your hands, and we are confident that you will rise to the challenge and make Governor Ododo proud with the results,” Hon. Arome emphasized.
His message resonated deeply with the farmers, many of whom acknowledged the unprecedented transparency in the distribution process, which they said was a far cry from past experiences. Hon. Arome’s involvement in ensuring that the distribution was handled fairly and efficiently has already won praise from the local community, who see him as a champion of their cause.
The Team’s Coordinated Effort
Alongside Hon. Arome, other key officials played supporting roles in the distribution exercise. These included Hon. Otaru Abdulkadir Onorvoyiza, Special Adviser on Agriculture; Dr. Bello George Ogirima, Managing Director of Kogi State Agricultural Development Project; Alhaji Lawal, Chief Store Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Alhaji Alhassan Iyaji, Director of Commercial Agricultural Development Program; and Amb. Idris Ozivehe Muraina, Chairperson of the NGOs Network (KONGONET).
Together, the team ensured that the distribution was conducted smoothly, but it was Hon. Arome’s leadership and strategic planning that made the biggest impact, setting a new standard for transparency in government-led initiatives in Kogi State.
Farmers Praise Hon. Arome and Governor Ododo
Local farmers in Ibaji could not contain their excitement and gratitude for the government’s support. Many of them singled out Hon. Arome for special praise, recognizing his efforts to ensure that they received their share of fertilizers without the usual delays or complications.
“For the first time, we have seen a government official like Hon. Arome who cares about the welfare of farmers. He made sure we all got our fertilizers without stress, and we appreciate him for that,” one farmer said.
Others echoed the sentiment, noting that Hon. Arome’s commitment to the success of the program and his direct engagement with the farming community had restored their faith in government initiatives.
A Bright Future for Agriculture in Kogi State
The fertilizer distribution exercise in Ibaji is just one part of the Kogi State Government’s larger plan to revolutionize agriculture in the state. With Hon. Honorius Arome playing a leading role in these efforts, the future looks bright for farmers across Kogi State, as the government continues to prioritize agricultural empowerment as a key driver of economic growth.
As the Governor’s administration continues its work, Hon. Arome’s visibility and leadership in ensuring transparency and accountability in agricultural projects will likely serve as a model for other sectors, further cementing his reputation as a trusted and effective public servant.