KWSG Strengthens Partnership with LNRBDA to Drive Agricultural Growth, Irrigation Development

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Omolola Christiana Asonibare; Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Lade; Managing Director, LNRBDA, Engr. George Olumoroti; Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi; Chairman, LNRBDA, Hon. Gidado Abdullateef Alakawa; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, during a strategic meeting held at the LNRBDA headquarters in Ilorin.

In a strategic effort to enhance agricultural development, the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has participated in a key meeting convened by the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA).

The meeting held at the LNRBDA Board Room, also had in attendance officials from the Ministry of Water Resources.The main focus was to improve synergy for agricultural expansion, water resource development, and support for farmers across the State.

Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, underscored the importance of aligning State efforts with the Federal Government's food security priorities. He commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his leadership in positioning the State to benefit from key federal initiatives, aimed at transforming agriculture and further emphasized that deepened partnerships and collaborative efforts are pivotal to realizing long-term value for farmers.

The Commissioner highlighted the State's agricultural strategy, which includes expanding irrigation capacity, attracting both private and public sector partnerships, and promoting climate-smart agriculture practices. These initiatives, he noted, are central to driving sustainable agricultural growth, boosting productivity, and securing long-term food stability for the State.

The recurrent flooding in the Shonga farming zone was a key topic of discussion. Hon. Gidado Abdullateef Alakawa, Chairman of LNRBDA, stressed the need for urgent and long-lasting solutions to mitigate flooding, which has consistently disrupted farming activities. He called for a coordinated approach from all relevant agencies to address the challenge and protect agricultural investments in the region.

Hon. Usman Lade, the Commissioner for Water Resources, also spoke about his Ministry’s commitment to supporting agricultural development. He emphasized the importance of effective water management systems in facilitating year-round farming and boosting the resilience of farming communities across the State.

On his part, the Managing Director of LNRBDA, Engr. George Olumoroti, stated that the time to take deliberate action is now, especially as agriculture continues to gain more national attention, noting that increased collaboration would ensure better outcomes and wider reach for farming communities across the basin.

The meeting also explored opportunities to expand irrigable farmlands, acquire additional farming locations, and attract large-scale private sector investments to support the growth of the agricultural sector. Additionally, discussions focused on securing funding from international donor agencies, with a particular focus on aligning proposals with global climate-smart agriculture and food security priorities.

The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Water Resources, Mrs. Funke Sokoya and Mrs. Omolola Christiana Asonibare, respectively.

With efforts to enhance agricultural growth and food security, Kwara State remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing partnerships. The State is fully prepared to collaborate with both national and international bodies, ensuring a strategic, multi-faceted approach to agricultural development that benefits farmers and strengthens the sector's resilience.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development