Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq launched the state Agro Inputs Fair for 2025 as part of his administration’s commitment to food security and the transformation of the agricultural sector.

The fair, organised by the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP), was designed to provide farmers with early access to high-quality inputs at affordable prices, training, mechanisation support, climate advisory, and market linkages.

“This fair is not just about agro-inputs. It is about innovation, knowledge sharing, and creating solutions to drive agricultural productivity. It is a platform where farmers, researchers, and industry leaders connect, exchange ideas, and access cutting-edge solutions that will define the future of farming in Kwara.

“Kwara is not just participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation but leading the charge.

The bar has been set, and there is no going back. The goal is clear: greater yields, lower food prices, and a thriving, self-sufficient agricultural economy,“ the governor said.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, the governor recalled how Kwara recorded the lowest food inflation rate for three consecutive months last year in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

AbdulRazaq called the ranking a testament to his administration’s efforts, innovative policies, and strategic investments.

He lauded the local farmers for their relentless hard work, which he said has been complementing the government‘s efforts to achieve food sufficiency in the state.

Earlier, the commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, had said that the fair sought to equip the farmers with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to maximise productivity and profitability this season.

She added that the government is committed to strengthening agriculture through mechanisation, providing extension services for farmers, distributing inputs, providing tractors to local governments, and supporting dry-season farming.

The state chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mahmud Aboki, hailed the governor for the initiative, saying the programme attested to the commitment of AbdulRazaq‘s administration to supporting farmers and advancing the agricultural sector in the state.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has claimed that the state realised N600billion in agriculture and other related businesses last year through the public and private sectors.

Bago disclosed this when he received members of Developing-8 (D-8) group, an intergovernmental organisation at the Government House Minna that came to present a partnership proposal to the state.

Bago said the only way to sustain food security, provide employment to the youth, and reduce insecurity and other social vices is to adopt new techniques in crop production, irrigation farming, animal husbandry, and livestock management.

The governor, who emphasised the enormous advantage of the state’s land mass with great potential for agriculture and livestock, said mechanisation farming should be embraced by all in order to achieve the target of feeding the nation.

He also disclosed to members of the group that the state government in collaboration with schools through the introduction of school farms has enabled the inclusion of crop production into school syllabuses to enable students enhance their skills development for the future.

He said collaboration with the D-8 group, Niger State, can benefit a lot, especially in terms of renewable energy, which he described as essential for any agric development.

The secretary general, D-8,  Amb. Isiaka Imam had earlier informed the governor that the organisation is an international-based organisation in Turkey comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Republic of Azerbaijan.

The effort of the Organisation, he said,  is to see how it can collaborate with several state governments, Niger State inclusive and try to woo investors in some priority areas like agriculture and food security, energy, ICT, tourism, small and medium enterprises and human resource.