RIFAN Commends Kwara Governor’s Support, Pledges Continued Commitment to Rice Production

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The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kwara State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening rice production efforts in the State during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi.

In his address to the delegation, the Commissioner commended the tireless efforts of the State’s rice farmers and emphasized the administration’s continued commitment to advancing the rice value chain.

"The growth and success of rice production in Kwara is a testament to the hard work of our farmers and the unwavering support from our esteemed Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His visionary leadership and commitment to the agricultural sector have been pivotal in making Kwara the leading rice-producing State in Nigeria. We are determined to build on this momentum and ensure that our farmers continue to have access to the resources and support they need to thrive,” said Dr. Alabi.

Following this, Dr. Alabi emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to address challenges such as flooding and other weather-related predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) as publicized and announced by the Ministry, in order to better plan their planting schedules and mitigate weather-related risks.

Dr. Alabi further mentioned that preparations for the 2025 planting season are already underway, with inputs for the next cycle beginning to arrive. Further details on the distribution process will be communicated to farmers in due course." He said.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Alh. Musa Baba Mohammed, encouraged farmers to remain diligent and proactive. He emphasized that as the State government continues to place high value on their contributions through various support schemes, it is essential for the association to deepen its collaboration with the Ministry to sustain and even surpass the current level of progress.

Led by its Chairman, Mallam Soliu Mohammed, the association expressed heartfelt appreciation to the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for its consistent and impactful support. He emphasized that the rice farming community in Kwara has grown stronger and more coordinated, thanks to government interventions that continue to inspire confidence and boost productivity at the grassroots level.

He noted that Kwara has emerged as the leading rice-producing State in Nigeria under the leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq, a feat driven by consistent government support, particularly in the provision of fertilizers and essential inputs. As a mark of gratitude, the association recently delivered 100 bags of rice to the State Government—a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the unwavering support received before and during the 2024 planting season.

A closing remark was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RIFAN, Engr. Dr. Olaitan Balogun, who expressed deep appreciation to the Kwara State Government for its unwavering support. He reaffirmed the association’s resolve to maintain its leading role in rice production and pledged continued cooperation with the State’s agricultural development agenda.

Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, and the Special Adviser on Small holder Farmers Intervention, Hon. Abdullahi Belle, who both reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and scaling up productivity.

The visit by RIFAN leadership not only reaffirmed the collaboration between the State government and rice farmers but also underscored the shared commitment to increasing rice production through sustainable practices and innovation. With these ongoing efforts, Kwara is poised to lead Nigeria’s agricultural revolution, driving economic growth and enhancing food security.



Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
08109057777

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