By Beki Mashood Abdulquadri
“No nation can be great without achieving food security, and no food security can be guaranteed without a thriving agricultural sector.” – Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to food security and agricultural transformation has once again come to the fore with the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development in Kwara State. This decision is not only timely but also speaks volumes about the Governor’s foresight and determination to position Kwara as a major agricultural hub in Nigeria. By carving out this ministry from the existing Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to food security, livestock development, and economic empowerment for farmers across the state.
This bold initiative places Kwara State among the first in Nigeria to follow the Federal Government’s example, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently established a similar ministry at the national level. The Governor’s swift action in mirroring this federal initiative underscores his alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, showing that he is not only in tune with national priorities but also deeply invested in making Kwara a model for agricultural advancement.
For decades, large-scale livestock farming in Nigeria has faced significant challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure to conflicts over grazing resources. The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a strategic move aimed at addressing the longstanding challenges in large-scale livestock farming. By focusing on the entire value chain —-ranging from farmers and herders to processors and distributors —-the new ministry will bring much-needed attention to an often-overlooked sector. With this initiative, Kwara is poised to boost local production, reduce dependence on external sources, and create job opportunities that will benefit thousands of households.
Beyond the livestock sector, Governor AbdulRazaq’s broader achievements in agriculture have been nothing short of remarkable. Under his leadership, Kwara State has witnessed massive interventions that have directly impacted farmers and improved food production. The recent distribution of farm inputs to thousands of farmers is a testament to his government’s commitment to ensuring that real, verifiable farmers get the necessary support to enhance productivity. Over 3,400 rice farmers under the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Kwara Chapter have benefited from fertilizer distribution, while an additional 10,000 farmers have received essential inputs, including agrochemicals and improved seeds.
Human capital development in the agricultural sector has also been a major focus of the AbdulRazaq administration. The government has trained extension agents to improve service delivery and even sponsored 14 young Kwarans to undergo specialized training at the Soilless Farm Lab in Ogun State. Furthermore, over 7,000 maize farmers, 2,000 rice farmers, and 1,000 soybean farmers have been empowered to expand their farming operations, ensuring greater yields and profitability.
In a bid to develop Kwara’s livestock sector further, the government, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has embarked on critical infrastructural projects. These include the construction and rehabilitation of solar-powered boreholes across various communities to provide water for both communal and livestock use. Additionally, the installation of a 60-tonne solar-powered cold storage facility at Akerebiata Abattoir and the rehabilitation of cold chain storage for veterinary vaccines have significantly strengthened the state’s livestock industry.
Public health and food safety have also been given top priority under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership. The rehabilitation and modernization of the state veterinary clinic, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, is a crucial step in preventing zoonotic diseases. With the procurement of over 350,000 doses of anthrax vaccine, Kwara is proactively ensuring that its livestock sector remains resilient against outbreaks that could threaten both animals and humans.
Further demonstrating his hands-on approach, Governor AbdulRazaq recently flagged off the distribution of 3,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to livestock farmers and value chain operators. This initiative is geared towards enhancing safety, preventing zoonotic diseases, and ensuring that those in the livestock business can operate under the best conditions. His administration’s ability to fund counterpart obligations for major agricultural projects has also played a crucial role in securing vital federal and international interventions, making Kwara a frontrunner in agricultural development.
One of the most groundbreaking achievements in the sector is the revival of the long-neglected Kaiama Cattle Ranch. Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision goes beyond just reviving the ranch; he is setting the stage for a livestock revolution in Kwara. Plans are already in motion to establish over 100 hectares of pasture in each local government area, ensuring that livestock farmers have access to high-quality feed and sustainable grazing systems. This not only boosts productivity but also fosters peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders —-a critical factor in national security and food stability.
The Governor’s proactive stance on food security is further evident in the launch of the state-wide anthrax vaccination campaign. This effort, aimed at safeguarding livestock health, will protect the economic livelihoods of farmers and contribute to increased meat and dairy production. His administration’s commitment to this cause has earned Kwara State recognition as a leader in livestock intervention projects in Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s impact on agriculture extends beyond policy and infrastructure. His administration has introduced innovative platforms to connect farmers with vital resources, as seen in the Kwara Agro Inputs Fair. This initiative provides farmers access to affordable inputs, mechanization support, climate advisory, and market linkages. It is no surprise that under his leadership, Kwara recorded the lowest food inflation rate in Nigeria for three consecutive months, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This achievement is a direct result of strategic investments and policies that have strengthened the state’s agricultural economy.
The Governor’s vision for agriculture is clear: he wants a Kwara where food is abundant, farming is profitable, and young people see the sector as a viable and rewarding career path. His relentless efforts in mechanization, extension services, and infrastructure development have already laid the foundation for a thriving agricultural economy. By making these deliberate investments, Governor AbdulRazaq is ensuring that Kwara State is not just participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation but leading it.
With each passing day, it becomes even clearer that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is not just governing —-he is building a legacy. His strides in agriculture, particularly with the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, are a testament to his deep understanding of what it takes to achieve sustainable economic growth. As Kwara moves towards becoming a major agricultural hub in Nigeria, one thing is certain: with Governor AbdulRazaq at the helm, the future of agriculture in the state has never looked brighter.