Date: 2016-08-16

Kwara State Government has earmarked over 12,000 hectares ahead of next farming season as part of its efforts to drive large scale agriculture in the state.

The state governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed gave this indication when the leadership of a private University in the State, Landmark University, Omu Aran visited him on how to initiate a public private partnership to develop agriculture sector in the state.

Governor Ahmed said Kwara State was fast emerging as the hub in poultry which potend huge demand for maize and the need to enhance maize growth and storage potentials in the state.

The Governor noted that Nigeria must move from lip services in the drive to deepen the agrarian revolution in the country, as food security is a necessary ingredient for the nation's growth and development.

"Agriculture is vital for strengthening the current economic direction. No doubt, agriculture is one of the critical areas we must focus on to achieve the desired diversification", the governor said.

He commended Landmark University for focusing attention on the development of agriculture in the country, hence the willingness of the state government to partner with the institution.

The Vice Chancellor, Landmark University, Prof. Aize Obayan in her remarks said the institution was driving agrarian revolution in the country by "digging up treasures in mother earth" as everybody in the university was involved in agriculture.

Prof Obayan said this was premised on Landmark University's interest in producing human resources to drive agribusiness in the country.

She said the university was desirous of a public private sector partnership in upscaling agriculture as a business in the state, stressing that this will check rural-urban migration as agriculture would be appealing to the youth.