The noticeable drop in food prices in Kwara has been attributed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s sustained investment in agriculture. This was highlighted earlier today by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, during the 9th Faculty of Agriculture Lecture held at the University of Ilorin, where he was a guest speaker.
The event, themed “Agriculture and National Security: The Nigerian Armed Forces in Perspective,” was hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, and co-hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole.
Dr. Abolore noted that the recent dip in food prices reflects Governor AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to agricultural sustainability. He cited increased support to farmers, counterpart funding for impactful programmes, and strategic partnerships as key drivers of progress across the sector.
He further disclosed that the State is scaling up dry season farming initiatives to ensure year-round food availability. These efforts, he said, will enhance food security, stabilize prices, create income opportunities, and optimize the use of existing irrigation and farming infrastructure.
Aligning his remarks with the central theme of the event, the Commissioner said Kwara’s agricultural drive is part of a broader strategy for ensuring social stability. He described agriculture not just as a driver of economic growth, but as a tool for national resilience and peace building.
According to him, Kwara’s peaceful environment — fostered by its strategic location and harmonious cultural landscape — continues to attract agribusiness investments and support a thriving agricultural economy.
The keynote speaker, Major-General Bello Alhaji Tsoho — a proud alumnus of the University and graduate of the Department of Agriculture — drew a compelling link between agriculture and national defense. He argued that in today’s world, national security extends beyond military might to include food systems, economic resilience, and environmental balance.
Drawing from his dual experience in the military and agricultural sectors, Major-General Tsoho emphasized that food insecurity, if unaddressed, could trigger social unrest, economic decline, and insecurity and urged policymakers to treat agriculture as a vital security asset.
Public lectures like this remain instrumental in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world policy making. They provide a platform for exchange between scholars, security professionals, and government actors — shaping a more informed and responsive governance culture.
With sustained investment and visionary leadership, Kwara State is steadily emerging as a national model — proving that agriculture is not just about food production, but also about building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous society.
Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
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