By Josephine Abah
In a major drive to turn its vast farm potential into wealth and jobs, the Kogi State Government has declared its readiness to attract agricultural technology, fresh investments and global market opportunities into the state.
The commitment was given by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, when he received the Founder of AAWDI Family Farmers for Food Sufficiency Initiative, Hajiya Rekiya Ibrahim Amedu, in his office.
Ojomah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Moses Dare, said the state was open to initiatives that promote food security, enterprise development and private-sector investment.
The meeting focused on Kogi’s participation in the forthcoming AAWDI International Agric-Tech & Business Expo 2026 in Abuja.
Ojomah said the Expo offers a strategic window for Kogi to showcase its agricultural strengths and connect with investors, technology providers, financial institutions, development partners and processors across the value chain.
He noted that Kogi is richly endowed in crop production, livestock, aquaculture, agro-processing and agribusiness.
According to him, stronger collaboration among government, farmers, investors and development partners is critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
He assured the organisers that the Ministry will give the proposal due consideration within government’s support framework.
Earlier, Amedu urged the state government to take a prominent role at the Expo.
The Kogi-born agribusiness advocate described the event as a strategic platform to attract investments, modern technologies, financing and market linkages to the state.
She said Kogi has enormous agricultural resources but needs to bridge the gap between its productive capacity and the technology, capital and markets required to convert potential into sustainable wealth.
Amedu said the Expo will convene farmers, agribusiness owners, investors, financiers, tech companies, government agencies and international business interests.
A strong Kogi presence, she noted, will enable the state to showcase its products, investment opportunities and achievements, while forging strategic partnerships.
She said women and youths stand to benefit immensely, as improved access to technology, finance and markets will make agriculture more profitable and attractive for employment and empowerment.
She appealed to the state government to provide sponsorship and institutional backing for Kogi’s participation, describing it as an investment in food security, job creation, youth empowerment and women’s inclusion.
Amedu commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for its efforts in agricultural development and expressed optimism that the Expo would further position Kogi as a top destination for agric investment.
She said her aspiration is to see Kogi move beyond potential to deliberately converting its resources into businesses, jobs and improved livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Kunle Agbana, stressed the need for stronger partnerships in the sector.
Agbana said linking farmers with modern technology, affordable finance, markets and improved practices will boost productivity and food security.
He noted that agriculture remains critical to employment generation, especially for women and youths.
He welcomed the proposed Expo as a veritable platform for exchanging ideas and building partnerships to accelerate Kogi’s agricultural value chain development.
The AAWDI International Agric-Tech & Business Expo 2026 is expected to be a convergence point for key players across agriculture, finance, technology and development.
Amedu expressed confidence that a strong showing by Kogi will enhance the visibility of the state’s agricultural opportunities and attract the capital and partnerships needed for sustainable growth.
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