Dr Tim Nda Diche is a seasoned politician, successful businessman, committed philanthropist and a community leader. He is the present Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Kogi State under the leadership of Gov. Yahaya Bello. In this interview with Time Nigeria Regional Editor (North), Moses George, Ditchie opens up on the present administration’s plan to use agriculture as an instrument to usher in unprecedented socio-economic growth and development in the state.
Honourable Commissioner, the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello has reiterated its commitment to transforming the state into an industrial and economic destination with the agricultural sector playing a pivotal role. How prepared are you for the challenges and prospects of this vision?
Moses, let me first and foremost welcome you to my office here at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has a conviction that the huge value chains in the agricultural sector can replace crude oil as a major earner, not just for the state, but the entire country.
Let me give you this scenario; long before the advent of petroleum, Nigeria’s major foreign exchange earnings were derived mainly from agriculture, and if we had built on that as a nation, the fluctuating prices of crude oil would not have affected us in any way. As a matter of fact, Nigeria’s economy would have been much stronger and viable than what we have now.
A well laid out agricultural programme like the one being orchestrated by this government has the capacity to transform the social and economic standing of Kogi state. A vibrant agriculture sector will nip hunger in the bud and provide food security, create job opportunities; discourage rural-urban migration, etc. Real wealth could be found on our land as most crops can thrive in this state. Therefore, this administration is trying to exploit the huge potentials in agriculture to create jobs, reduce crime, provide food security and enhance the economic well being of this state.
To answer the question that you raised, we are well prepared in this ministry for the prospects and challenges associated with government’s effort to boost agriculture in Kogi State. We have the manpower and expertise to efficiently implement government’s agricultural policy.
What form is this agricultural and economy diversification effort in Kogi state going to take?
The ‘New Direction’ agenda of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has its roots in the fact that oil revenue is dwindling, and that has also adversely affected Kogi state. Therefore, this administration has seen the urgent need to diversify and build economic strength of the state around agriculture. Kogi State is blessed with vast arable land that cuts across the 21 local government areas, coupled with large bodies of water. You’ll agree with me that the state is indeed naturally well endowed to kick-start an agricultural revolution of any magnitude.
This government is going to support medium and large-scale agriculture through the provision of loan facilities and supply of agricultural machineries, such as tractors and other farm implements to various groups. Government is also committed to providing extension services, as well as subsidized incentives to farmers. This is going to be an all inclusive initiative that would include individuals and institutions across the length and breadth of the state. As a matter of fact, this initiative will make agriculture so attractive that even the youths would be drawn to it.
It may also interest you to know that government would encourage the formation of young farmers’ agro-enterprise schemes in primary and secondary schools across the state. There are several other schemes that have been lined up to make this initiative a huge success. At the end of the day, this effort will eventually revive the glory of agricultural activities, and we will all be better off for it.
Are there plans by the Kogi State government to include other stakeholders to drive this intuitive?
Governments all over the world involve the private sector in the implementation of similar policy or programmes, therefore this state will not act differently since it is the right thing to do. The Yahaya Bello administration is set to partner with the private sector, especially to facilitate the establishment of viable agro-based industries that will add value to the numerous crops that grow well in the state.
This administration has keyed into the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development-Central Bank of Nigeria partnership on strengthening marketing institutions to develop an effective marketing infrastructure for agricultural commodities. What this means in essence is that government is committed to repositioning agriculture through the strengthening of the commodity value chain for increased productivity and food security.
His Excellency, the governor of Kogi state has reiterated his stand on agriculture as a viable tool to achieve food security and wealth creation. Kogi State’s government’s emphasis on agriculture will go a long way to solve the problem of unemployment and help to raise funds to develop the state.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s private sector background, coupled with his unflinching political will, are attributes that will see to the actualization of this vision. I can assure you that under this administration, Kogi State is about to witness an unprecedented level of social and economic transformation.
