Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has flagged off the state Community Revolving Fund, CRF, loan disbursement under the ACReSAL project.
The scheme, which is in partnership with the World Bank, is aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change and support community agricultural efforts.
Speaking at the flag-off of the scheme on Wednesday at the Government House, Lokoja, Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project.
Emphasising his administration’s commitment to agricultural development, the governor noted that within five months his administration has implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity, including the provision of agricultural machineries for mechanisation, agricultural inputs, training, and capacity building for farmers.
The CRF loan disbursement prioritises women, with 70 percent female beneficiaries.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the loan judiciously, stressing that it was designed to support their agricultural endeavors and improve their livelihoods.
Ododo assured that the loan would boost agricultural practices in the catchment areas, leading to increased food production and security.
Earlier in his own remarks, speaker of the state House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Jibril Abu, emphasised the importance of partnership for progress, as highlighted in the 17 thematic areas of the SDGs.
He commended the governor for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state.
Also speaking, the state ACReSAL project coordinator, Barr. Ladi Jatto commended the governor for his total commitment to the success of the project in the state, saying the Governor has made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project.
She called on the beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity presented by the presentation of cheques to them by using the funds for the purpose stipulated.
The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru and his Environment and Ecological Management counterpart, Engr Olusegun Joseph, thanked the governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor.
In their remarks, the Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also commended the governor for his efforts in supporting the agricultural sector. They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely loan repayment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community development.
Each of the cluster group of farmers went home with 25,000 USD each.
