Kogi State has earned high praise from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its bold strides in agriculture under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, with the state now set to benefit from the prestigious Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
The recognition came during a high-level policy dialogue in Abuja hosted by the AfDB, aimed at accelerating agribusiness financing, women and youth inclusion, and food security across Nigeria.
Only Kogi and Ogun States were specially invited — a nod to their policy focus and progress. Representing the state, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, said Kogi’s inclusion reflects AfDB’s confidence in Governor Ododo’s reform-driven agricultural agenda.
“We’ve already entered talks with AfDB to ensure Kogi is fast-tracked into the SAPZ rollout starting 2026,” Ojomah revealed, adding that a virtual meeting is being arranged to seal outstanding technical processes.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced a ₦1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), earmarked for youth and women-led agro-enterprises.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states like Kogi that have shown political will and vision.
AfDB Presidential Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement, Ms. Lola Visser, also commended Kogi for energizing youth participation in agriculture. While noting that over 200 youths have been mentored so far, she stressed the urgent need for improved credit access and support for agropreneurs.
“The energy is there — what’s missing is financing,” she said. “This dialogue is about bridging that gap.”
With SAPZ in sight, Kogi is positioning itself not just as a farming state, but as a hub for agro-industrial transformation.