The Kogi State government has inaugurated a training for 2,500 livestock farmers and extension agents on climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The training is organised by the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

The managing director of Kogi ADP, George Ogirima, disclosed this at the official inauguration of the training on Thursday in Lokoja.

According to Mr Ogirima, this initiative aims to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge required to adapt to changing weather conditions and environmental risks.

“The training programme, which has commenced in Lokoja, will cover 500 farmers initially, with similar sessions scheduled to take place in Ajaokuta, Okene, Kabba, Ankpaa, and Idah.

“Participants are expected to step down the training in their respective communities to ensure widespread impact,” he said.

Mr Ogirima stressed that the training was part of a broader movement toward climate-smart agriculture, empowering farmers to face future challenges with confidence and the right tools.

The state’s commissioner for agriculture and food security, Timothy Ojomah, commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his sustained support for the agricultural sector.

Mr Ojomah particularly praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for innovation and growth.

He noted that Mr Ododo’s administration was also sponsoring hundreds of youths for advanced training in smart agriculture.

“Climate resilience is now a necessity rather than an option,” Mr Ojomah said. “This is more than a training; it is a movement towards smart, more responsive agricultural practice in the face of climate uncertainty.”

The state project coordinator of L-PRES, Abdulkabir Otaru, stated that the training would focus on three major livestock value chains: poultry, small ruminants, and cattle.

Mr Otaru emphasised that the goal was to empower extension agents and farmers with practical solutions for sustainable productivity.

He stressed that monitoring and evaluation frameworks had been set up in line with the World Bank’s implementation standards.

“The project also includes a new e-extension studio provided under the Ododo administration, which will support weather forecasting.

“It will allow for real-time information dissemination to farmers using radio, social media, and other platforms.

“This initiative is expected to strengthen Kogi’s agricultural sector and ensure long-term resilience against climate threats,” the project coordinator said.

(NAN)