The Kwara Government on Tuesday inaugurated a 7-member Interim Caretaker Committee to officially represent farmers across the State.
At the inauguration, Dr Afees Alabi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said the initiative aimed to foster trust in government intervention programmes and improve agricultural support systems.
Alabi explained that the committee members were selected based on merit, grassroots involvement in agriculture and commitment to the sector, representing all regions of the state.
He noted that the committee’s gender-balanced composition reflected the Governor’s commitment to empowering women within the agricultural sector.
The Commissioner urged the committee to uphold integrity, fairness and to serve the people effectively.
“This committee is not symbolic—it is strategic,” Alabi said, highlighting the administration’s determination to ensure timely support for farmers.
He outlined the committee’s key responsibilities, including verifying beneficiary authenticity, preventing agricultural input diversion, and collaborating with enforcement agencies for transparency.
Alabi emphasised the committee’s role as a crucial link between the government and farmers, especially with the planting season approaching.
He further commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his steadfast dedication to farmers’ welfare across the State.
Under the governor’s leadership, the committee’s work is pivotal in promoting agricultural excellence and he urged members to ensure interventions reach their intended beneficiaries.
Malam Abdullahi Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the committee, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them by the State government.
He highlighted the responsibility they bear and assured the public of their commitment to transparency, fairness and equitable resource distribution.
Ahmed pledged the committee would prioritise farmers’ needs and meet the expectations of the state governor.
In her remarks, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stressed the committee’s formation as a proactive step to enhance agricultural sector coordination.
She outlined the committee’s role in ensuring the efficient delivery of government interventions and congratulated the members on their appointments.
