AbdulRazaq Says Nigeria Can Tackle Poverty With Food Security

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said Nigeria and Africa can easily break the shackles of poverty through proper investments that lead to food security as well as various safety net programmes that directly put money in the pockets of those mostly in need of it. 

AbdulRazaq stated this on Monday in Ilorin at a meeting with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) that coordinated investments in agricultural value chains and social investment programmes that target the most vulnerable groups could help to lift millions of people out of poverty.

The Governor said the administration continues to support small businesses and lift up people below the poverty line through its social safety programmes such as Owo Arugbo and Owo Isowo, among others.

Speaking with the IsDB team on National Programme for Food Security, the Governor said everything must be done to grow the agricultural value chains such as the one being supported by the bank.

Kwara, Kebbi, Kano and Ekiti have been identified to benefit in the first phase of the programme which is funded by the IsDB.

"The global problem created by COVID-19 is still subsisting.

"We have a huge problem globally not just in Nigeria which has affected food security throughout the world.

"Africa, and indeed Nigeria, is ready to feed the world.

"We have the land and everything to achieve that. But we have to be organised.

“Our 10-year Agriculture Transformation Plan shows the seriousness our administration attaches to agriculture and its value chains.

"The future for us is agriculture and agro-processing.

"That is where we have comparative advantages.

"We thank you for your interest in our state. With thorough engagement and sincerity of purpose, be assured that our team is prepared and very serious about this project because we don't have oil in Kwara, agriculture is part of what we are looking at to sustain us.

"So, we need to and we indeed can break the chains of poverty through agriculture.”

Javed Khan of the IsDB for his part, said: “As a procedure, we are here just to confirm and we got the confirmation from the relevant team here, that whatever is designed is according to the needs and requirements of the Kwara State.

"What I saw in the last few months that I joined the Nigeria's team in Abuja is that there is a lot of potentials not only in Kwara but also in many other states.

"But you need to harness this potential for greater benefits.

"I will like to convey the appreciation of the bank to Your Excellency for your commitment to the wellbeing of the poor.

"With your government's support, I am sure, we will be able to conclude our technical meetings here and have a good implementation."

Khan said he led a combined team from the Office of the National Programme for Food Security; the Islamic Development Bank; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Federal Ministry of Finance.