Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, generating employment, and eradicating hunger in the state.

The Governor made this assurance during the closing ceremony of a capacity-building program for 100 additional extension agents and farmers on small ruminants’ production and crop residue processing. The event was organized by Synergy Impact Consultant Limited and held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Idofian.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Governor emphasized that the training aligns with the state’s efforts to enhance farmers' productivity and livelihoods.

“The government is committed to initiatives that uplift the agricultural sector and empower farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve greater productivity and profitability,” said Mrs. Thomas.

While congratulating the participants, the Governor said the present administration has invested a lot on human capital development in achieving the renewed hope agenda on food security in the State, adding that the State government is more determined to “impact” on citizens.

He charged the trainees to positively utilize the knowledge acquired with a view to having good testimonies for the future.

The World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for Livestock Productivity and Resilience and Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro on his part assured the Kwara State Government of the World Bank continued support in the implementation of L-PRES Project for an improved livestock productivity and commercialisation of the selected value chains in the State.

He said the training was in tandem with the project objectives in addressing the key constraint that hinder the productivity of livestock to achieve the food security agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“This training has aligned with the objective of L-PRES, because with this, we will be able to improve access to quality and nutritious needs of our animals and we are also going to promote ranching and also mitigate the major drivers of farmers/herders conflict in Nigeria “, he said.

Dr. Anyiro identified the key drivers of farmers and herders clashes as competition for natural resources, such as feed, pastures, and water and expressed satisfaction that the training was tailored towards addressing the major issues.

He added that the programme would provide opportunities for youths to see pasture development as a good business which according to him, was the only aspect of profitable livestock business often ignored by people.

While expressing his satisfaction on the training, Dr. Anyiro said the bank would not hesitate to approve more aids for Kwara State.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Jiddah said the training was key in the attainment of access to quality feeds and nutrition for animals.

Alhaji Jiddah advised the participants to put what they have learnt to practice to justify the resources expended on the training and appreciated all the development partners for improving the livestock sector of the State.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye said the training underscored the present administration’s commitment to the food and nutrition security of the State and the country at large.

Mr. Oyawoye further said the objective of the training was to ensure food security for both human and animals, and charged the participants to contribute their quotas to the realisation of the State government’s vision in achieving food and nutrition security for the State.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Professor Abiodun Afolayan promised to utilize the knowledge gained during the training to transform agribusiness in the State.

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of the certificates to the participants by invited dignitaries at the event.