Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq says Nigeria can easily break the shackles of poverty through proper investments in food security and safety net programmes that put money directly in the pockets of the needy.

Mr AbdulRasaq said this during a meeting with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), led by Mr Javed Khan, held at the Government House, Ilorin.

The Kwara governor said coordinated investments in agricultural value chains and social investment programmes that target the most vulnerable groups.

According to him, the Kwara government has continued to support small businesses and lift people above the poverty line through its social safety programmes, such as ‘Owo Arugbo’, and ‘Owo Isowo’.

The governor referred to the National Programme for Food Security, saying that everything must be done to grow the agricultural value chains.

“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,” he explained. “We have a huge problem globally, not just in Nigeria, which has affected food security throughout the world.”

Mr AbdulRazaq added, “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.”

The Kwara governor further noted that such a programme would put Nigerians on the right footing to feed the world in every aspect. He commended the IsDB for sending a team to Kwara to ensure they have a hands-on approach to the programme.

“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,” the Kwara governor explained. 

(NAN)