Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the Produce for Lagos initiative, describing it as a strategic alliance that will benefit farmers, traders, and consumers across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the programme and the ₦100 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund in Lagos on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, Governor Ododo praised the Lagos State Government for its visionary leadership and called the partnership “a mutual investment in people, productivity, and prosperity.”
“Kogi produces food. Lagos consumes food. When we work together, what we achieve is food security, market stability, and inclusive growth,” Ododo said.
The initiative, spearheaded by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is aimed at guaranteeing food supply to Lagos by securing consistent offtake agreements from food-producing states like Kogi. Governor Ododo emphasized that the partnership offers market assurance to thousands of farmers across Kogi who now have a structured and reliable channel for their produce.
Highlighting Kogi’s agricultural strength, Ododo noted that the state leads Nigeria in cassava production and is among the top producers of yam, maize, and cereals. The state has also made significant investments in ginger cultivation, which is gaining international commercial relevance.
To boost output, the governor disclosed that his administration has prepared thousands of hectares of farmland, distributed improved seedlings and livestock breeds, provided grants to over 10,000 farmers, and revamped extension services.
“We are not just cultivating crops; we are strengthening our agricultural value chain,” he added.