Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services, and Rural Development, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 bags of 50kg fertilizer to smallholder farmers across the four local government areas of Kwara Central Senatorial District.
This initiative was distributed today 1st of June 2024 part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Speaking at the distribution event held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority’s playing ground in Ilorin, Mustapha emphasized the importance of empowering local farmers to boost agricultural productivity and improve crop yields.
However, the event, themed “Empowering Kwara Central Farmers: Unlocking Self-Sufficiency in Food Production,” saw significant participation from members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), individual farmers, and party members involved in agriculture.
In addition to the fertilizer distribution, Senator Mustapha announced the provision of 1,000 pumping machines to aid farmers in overcoming challenges related to irrigation and water management.
Nevertheless, he underscored the adverse impacts of climate change and soil over-cultivation on crop yields, highlighting the need for substantial investment in agricultural inputs.
“The impact of climate change and over-cultivation has negatively affected soil quality, resulting in lower crop yields. The 3,500 bags of fertilizer distributed today were personally purchased to empower our farmers and improve their yields,” said Mustapha.
The Senator also took the opportunity to outline his achievements in his first year in office. These include the reconstruction of a one-kilometer asphaltic road from Al-Hikmah University to Oke-Foma in Ilorin West, the installation of solar-powered motorized boreholes, and street lights across the senatorial district. These infrastructure projects aim to enhance access to safe water and improve overall living conditions in the community.
“For the record, we have provided solar-powered motorized boreholes at various locations, including Ile Onifitila in Kankatu, Okelele Road in Ilorin East, Jato Community in Ilorin South, and several other sites.
Additionally, solar-powered street lights have been installed at strategic points like Computer Village in Challenge Area and the Muslim Cemetery in Oko-Olowo,” Mustapha added.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdulmumin AbdulMalik, National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union. AbdulMalik lauded the Senator’s timely intervention, noting its significance as farmers enter the planting season.
Hon. Hammed Ayodele Adebayo, Chairman of the Fertilizer Distribution Committee, emphasized the initiative’s goal of ensuring a bumper harvest during the rainy season. “No society can truly develop without dedicating sincere attention to agriculture. Senator Mustapha’s focus on providing necessary farm inputs is a testament to his commitment to food security and agricultural development,” Adebayo stated.
The beneficiaries of this distribution phase were selected from various agriculture-related groups, including AFAN and Abike-Loko, as well as members of traditional, religious, and political groups confirmed to be active farmers.
The program saw the presence of several dignitaries, including stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress in the state, traditional leaders like the Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, and representatives from agricultural institutions such as ARMTI, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, NCAM, and NSPRI.
Senator Mustapha’s proactive approach and comprehensive understanding of his community’s needs have positioned him as a pivotal figure in driving agricultural and infrastructural development in Kwara Central.
