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LEADERSHIP ISSUE: AFAN SUSPENDED AS KWARA SETS UP CARETAKER COMMITTEE AS FARMERS’ OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVES

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Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has appointed a seven-person multi-stakeholders’ caretaker committee to represent the interest of farmers, a step taken to prevent the leadership crisis at the state chapter of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) from affecting farmers across the state.  AFAN is enmeshed in some leadership tussles, which are a subject of court litigation and other contentions by different interest groups within the agric sector.  The interim caretaker committee comprises Abdullahi ibn Ahmed (Kwara North); Alhaja Shakira AbdulGaniy Kodokodo (Kwara Central); Barr. Fatai Alabi Olaokun (Kwara South); Nmadu wodu Ruth (Kwara North); ABDULRAHMAN AMEEN BABATUNDE. (Kwara Central); Florence Taiye O. (Kwara South); USMAN BABA ALIYU (Kwara North).  Members of the caretaker committee are drawn from different interest groups in the sector. The announcement of the committee comes after the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Develop...

Kwara Gov flags off distribution of Dangote Foundation's rice, commends gesture

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Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 25,000 bags of 10kg rice to indigent people across the 16 local government areas of the State. The rice was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation. Governor Abdulrazaq said the gesture demonstrates the power of partnership between the public and private sectors in lifting people out of hardship. "This gesture not only complements the ongoing efforts of the Kwara State Government to support vulnerable communities, but it also demonstrates the power of partnership between the public and private sectors in lifting our people out of hardship," AbdulRazaq said at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin.   Represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, the Governor commended the Foundation for its kind and selfless contribution.   "The rice, which will be distributed to indigent families across the state, comes at a crucial time, as our Muslim brothers and sisters observe the sacred month of Ramadan and o...

Kwara Advances Agricultural Innovation with Pilot Soil Assessment Laboratory

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Kwara State is taking a major step toward modernizing agriculture with the installation of a pilot Soil Assessment Laboratory at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin. This initiative, under the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS) and spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, positions Kwara among the select states leveraging scientific advancements for agricultural growth. With the planting season approaching, the laboratory will provide farmers with accurate soil analyses, enabling informed decisions on fertilizer use, crop selection, and land management. By understanding their soil’s specific nutrient needs, farmers can boost yields, reduce costs, and enhance farm efficiency, leading to greater profitability and sustainable practices. This development aligns with the Kwara State Agricultural Transformation Plan, which prioritizes soil health management as a key factor in boosting agricultural efficiency. The plan emphasi...

Kwara Participates in NALDA Workshop, Explores Agricultural Partnership

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  The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, on Thursday, attended the "Strategy Co-Creation Workshop" organized by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) in Abuja. The event, themed "Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Land Development & Food Security," brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for optimizing land use and boosting food production across Nigeria. Dr. Alabi reaffirmed Kwara State’s commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and strengthening the agribusiness value chain through strategic collaborations. He emphasized the State’s proactive approach to engaging with relevant stakeholders to advance large-scale food production, agro-industrialization, and modern farming practices. "Kwara State remains committed to transforming agriculture by enhancing productivity, expanding access to critical resources, and ensuring sustainable land development. Our goal is to equ...

Kwara Agric Commissioner Celebrates Engr. Dr. Busari Isiaka’s FNIAE & FNSE Induction

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  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka on his well-earned induction as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (FNIAE) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE). This prestigious recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication, professional excellence, and outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural engineering. As the State Project Coordinator for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Kwara State, Dr. Busari has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering development in the sector. His leadership, research, and innovative approach have significantly shaped the industry, making this honor truly well-deserved. Beyond personal achievement, this milestone reinforces the critical role of engineering and technology in driving food security, rural transformation, and economic growth. His expertise continues to align with Kwara State’s broader visi...

KWARA GOVT PUSHES FOR STUDENTS' INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE

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  Guided by the vision of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, to strengthen food security, promote environmental stewardship, and empower stakeholders, the Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is intensifying efforts to equip students with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed for self-sufficiency. The Commissioner, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, reaffirmed this commitment during an official visit by the Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Hon. Wasiu Onidugbe, to his office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development yesterday.  Discussions focused on integrating students into the state’s agricultural development agenda as a strategic approach to boosting food production and expanding economic opportunities. This initiative falls under the Kwara Next Generation Farmers programme, which is part of Pillar 5 (Value Chain) of the Kwara State Agricultural Transformation Plan, aimed at nurturing a new...

Abolore Engages Local Government Chairmen to Strengthen Rural Agricultural Development

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  In a strategic move to advance agriculture in Kwara State, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has initiated direct engagement with Local Government Chairmen to ensure the full realization of the agricultural agenda of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON. At a high-level meeting held today at the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, Dr. Abolore emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and local government leadership, ensuring that agricultural interventions reach the grassroots, where they are most needed. Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in transforming Kwara’s agricultural sector. "His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has set a clear direction for agriculture in Kwara State, making it a pillar of economic growth an...