Farmers under the umbrella of Moringa Productions, Marketers, and Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria have called on the Federal and State Governments to encourage youths to engage in moringa farming as a means of job creation and economic empowerment for national development.

Speaking at a media briefing in Nyanya, Abuja, on Monday, the Association’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ashimashiga Akoloaga, emphasized that moringa farming could contribute approximately $3.75 billion monthly to Nigeria’s economy if 50 million youths are supported to venture into its production. He urged the government to provide access to hectares of land and farm inputs to facilitate this process.

Dr. Akoloaga highlighted that promoting moringa farming would help address insecurity caused by youth unemployment, including banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, and other social vices. He stressed that empowering citizens economically would reduce the need for the country to borrow funds for infrastructural development.

While underscoring the economic and health benefits of moringa, he noted that the plant serves as a raw material for pharmaceutical industries, food production, fertilizers, and animal feeds.

He further disclosed that the Association has started exporting moringa, capitalizing on the high global demand for Nigerian moringa due to its superior quality. According to him, moringa farming has huge foreign exchange potential and can also mitigate climate change and global warming through its cultivation.

To boost production and create more jobs, Akoloaga announced plans to introduce agricultural inputs, consultancy services, and equipment leasing by next year. He added that the Association provides loans to farmers at 9% interest rates and ensures the off-take of produce from its members and other farmers.

In his remarks, the Association’s Secretary-General and National Coordinator, Dr. Shuaibu Adamu, called on the government and stakeholders to support moringa cultivation as a tool for tackling youth unemployment and poverty.

Adamu also advised State Governments to avoid politicizing developmental issues, especially those impacting the welfare of citizens.

To strengthen its operations, the Association plans to organize an International Moringa Summit and conduct general elections at State, Local Government, and Ward levels to enhance its management and coordination nationwide.

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Kogi State is positioning itself to become the nation’s leading agricultural hub by 2025, according to the State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah. Speaking after defending the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025 budget at the Kogi State House of Assembly, Ojomah outlined the state’s plans to enhance its agricultural production, making it a significant player in the national and regional food supply.

Ojomah pointed to Kogi’s impressive performance in food production in 2024, despite the challenges of flooding in several local government areas.
He emphasized that the state is currently the top producer of cassava and cashew in Nigeria, with growing interest from buyers across the country. “The demand for Kogi’s agricultural products is a win for our local economy, empowering our people and boosting the state’s GDP,” Ojomah stated.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ojomah revealed that the government plans to expand agricultural production from 10,000 hectares to 50,000 hectares.
Key to this expansion is the focus on mechanized farming, supported by the World Bank’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
This initiative will provide essential equipment like bulldozers, tractors, and excavators to support large-scale farming in the state.

In addition, the state government is refurbishing old farming equipment to make it accessible to farmers, helping transition from traditional subsistence farming to mechanized agri-business.
“Our vision is to make Kogi State a leader in food production, not only for Nigeria but for Africa,” Ojomah concluded.

***As Farm Alert Marks 5th Anniversary

The Federal Government has been urged to adopt technology and innovation to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Farm Alert in Abuja, Professor Folorunsho Fasina, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria and an expert with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the lack of coordination and technological integration in the sector.
“Technology and innovation are lacking in Nigeria’s livestock industry,” Fasina said. “Despite being resource-rich, we are not organized. Vertical integration is essential to unlock the sector’s full potential and create jobs.”

Fasina, who also chairs Farm Alert’s Advisory Board, praised the organization for its innovative strides in the past five years, including reaching over 1,000 communities in six states with animal health products.

CEO of Farm Alert, Dr. Femi Kayode, revealed the company’s plans to expand into West Africa by 2026, followed by operations in East, South, and Central Africa by 2030. “By 2030, we aim to be the largest distributor of animal feed in Africa,” Kayode announced.
The event underscored Farm Alert’s commitment to supporting young veterinarians. In partnership with the Nigerian Medical Veterinary Association (NMVA), Farm Alert has provided a N20 million grant to 10 veterinarians and plans to extend an additional N60 million to 30 more.
During the celebration, 12 veterinarians received N12 million in start-up funding.
Since its launch in November 2019, Farm Alert has made significant strides in improving access to animal health products, such as vaccines, drugs, and supplements, in underserved communities.
The organization’s innovative distribution model aggregates the needs of veterinary stores and delivers products efficiently and cost-effectively.

NMVA President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, commended Farm Alert for its creativity and impact, noting the partnership’s role in transforming veterinary practice in Nigeria.

With its continued focus on technology, innovation, and expansion, Farm Alert is poised to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s livestock sector and beyond.