Mr Kayode Alabi, the Kwara Deputy Governor, on Saturday in Ilorin asserted that Agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty in the country.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by Mrs Modupe Joel, his Chief Press Secretary, Alabi made the assertion in his office during the courtesy visit by the Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Kwara branch, led by Mr Lekan Oyedepo, the Chairman.

He stated that food security is essential to all citizens as food is required for a healthy and active life.

He said agriculture beyond food production and animal husbandry play other important economic, cultural, social roles and provide multiple functions and services. '

Alabi, however, explained that focusing on women and the youth is key to transforming agriculture in the country.

“Africa is a continent of young people, about 60 per cent of the population is under 24 years old while women make up half of the population.

“Youth are a target group because they represent a large disenfranchised group which faces high level of unemployment.

“With tremendous capacity to innovate and engage meaningfully and lucratively in the agricultural sector, youth should be empowered and attracted into agriculture with focus on service provision in the value chains of key commodities,” he said.

The Deputy governor asserted that his government will remain committed to agriculture and livestock production to boost the state's economy and create more jobs for the teeming youths.

In his goodwill message, Mr Oyedepo, the Chairman of PFAN and Kwara Pork Festival, explained that their main focus is to promote pork consumption and the development of the value chain associated with the Pig farming industry.

He requested that the pig and pork value chain should be better recognized in the economy of Kwara, noting that currently the industry transaction figures are averaging N30 to N35 million monthly.

He explained that the Pork Festival will hold on Dec. 8, 2022, in Ilorin. (NAN)