Kwara Pork Farmers Association of Nigeria has announced that the association will hold a ‘Pork Festival’ in Ilorin, the state capital on December 8, 2022.

The chairman of the association, Lekan Oyedepo, said this while briefing the state deputy governor, Kayode Alabi, on the activities of the Association adding that the festival would hold at Latara Events Center in Ilorin.

The chairman who led members of PFAN on a courtesy visit to the deputy governor explained that their main focus of the association is to promote pork consumption and the development of the value chain associated with the pig farming.

He requested that “the pig and pork value chain be better recognised in the economy of Kwara State,” noting that “currently the industry transaction figures are averaging N30million to N35million Naira monthly.”

In his response, the Kwara State deputy governor said that agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty in the country.

According to the Alabi, food security is essential to all citizens as food is required for a healthy and active life.

“Beyond food production, farm animals also play other important economic, cultural and social roles and provide multiple functions and services to the existence of human beings,” he said.

Alabi explained that focusing on women and the youths is key to transforming agriculture in the country, adding that “Africa is a continent of young people, about 60 per cent of the population is under 24 years old while women make up half of the population.

“With tremendous capacity to innovate and engage meaningfully and lucratively in the agricultural sector, youth should be empowered and attracted into agriculture, with a specific focus on service provision in the value chains of key commodities.”

The deputy governor asserted that Kwara State Government would remain committed to agriculture and livestock production to boost the state’s economy and create more jobs for the teeming youths.