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The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged full commitment to the “Produce for Lagos” initiative, describing it as a bold inter-state collaboration that will deepen food security, boost agricultural productivity, and deliver structured prosperity for farmers. Governor Ododo made this declaration during the official launch of the programme and the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
The event, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, drew attendance from several state leaders, including the Governors of Ogun, Niger, and Taraba States, as well as representatives from the Governors of Jigawa and Kwara States. All participating states pledged to align with the vision of establishing a sustainable national food supply chain through a dependable partnership with Lagos, Nigeria’s largest consumer market.
Governor Ododo, in his remarks, emphasized the historical ties between Kogi and Lagos and affirmed that the partnership marks a new era in mutual investment and food system integration. He noted that Lagos consumes food and Kogi produces food, and when both collaborate, the result is national food security, market stability, and inclusive economic growth.
The Kogi State Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing investment in agriculture, including land preparation, mechanized farming, improved seedlings, livestock breeding, and financial support to over 10,000 farmers. He stated that Kogi is Nigeria’s leading producer of cassava and among the top producers of yam, maize, and ginger. According to him, the partnership with Lagos provides Kogi farmers with market assurance and confidence to expand production, knowing there is a structured offtake system in place.
Governor Ododo also commended Origin Tech Group Nigeria Limited for their investment in the project, describing the private sector as a critical driver of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. He praised the Lagos State Government for its vision and boldness in launching the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, which is expected to support producers, aggregators, logistics players, and traders across the entire food value chain.
The Lagos State Government described the initiative as a strategic step toward creating a food hub for the entire nation. Officials said the programme is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, lower food inflation, and drive down dependency on imports while creating jobs and stimulating rural economies. The programme is also expected to benefit from strong private sector participation, with major players like Heirs Holdings pledging significant support. Chairman Tony Elumelu committed ₦25 billion to the initiative, expressing confidence in its ability to address food insecurity and unemployment.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed Kogi’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the Federal Government’s $1 billion Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme as a testament to the administration’s focus on agriculture as a cornerstone of national development. He described President Tinubu as a bold and patriotic leader who is not only echoing hope but implementing it through strategic investment and inclusive policies.
The launch of the Produce for Lagos initiative was widely praised by stakeholders as a major milestone in cooperative governance. Leaders present emphasized that collaboration among states and between public and private sectors remains the surest path to achieving a resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
