Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital innovation in agriculture as a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic transformation, aligning with national efforts to enhance rural connectivity.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Afees Alabi, representing the state at a high-level workshop on "Regulatory and Policy Framework for Universal Telecom Access in Digital Agriculture" at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, stressed that improved internet access in rural areas is pivotal to unlocking agriculture's full potential particularly for smallholder farmers and women-led agribusinesses.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives to lay this groundwork, including:

- Strategic partnerships with telecom providers

- Digital extension services for real-time farming guidance

- Support for youth-led agri-tech startups

"Bridging the digital divide in our rural communities isn't optional it's essential for food security and sustainable development," Dr Alabi stated, underscoring Kwara's role in Nigeria's broader agricultural digitisation agenda.

"Our agenda goes beyond providing internet access; it is about building an intelligent, integrated agricultural system where every farmer, regardless of location, can access timely information, tools, and markets. With innovations like mobile soil testing, weather-smart alerts, digital input subsidies, and e-registration, we are laying the digital foundation for a stronger, more resilient food system," he stated.

According to him, the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration remains resolute in integrating digital inclusion as a driver of rural transformation and agricultural resilience, positioning Kwara as a forward-thinking model for sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, presented technical insights into the Kwara State Optical Fibre Backbone Infrastructure project, which she described as central to expanding digital connectivity statewide. She also highlighted the launch of Notia FM in Baruten as a step towards bridging longstanding information gaps in previously underserved rural communities.

Also in attendance was the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, whose presence underscored the State Government's multi-sectoral commitment to deploying digital tools to advance both crop production and the livestock value chain, thereby improving rural livelihoods.

In his presentation, DIGISOL Project Coordinator at the Al-Hikmah University, Mallam Tajudeen Yahaya, emphasized that digital agriculture is a proven pathway to transforming rural livelihoods. He noted that timely access to digital tools has helped farmers enhance productivity, operate more efficiently, and connect to wider markets.

The Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji, welcomed the State Government's active participation and expressed optimism that collaborative efforts would help scale the reach and impact of digital agriculture.

He emphasized the value of aligning the academia, policy, and rural innovation in driving long-term development.

As digital transformation continues to reshape agriculture globally, the Kwara State Government remains deliberate in ensuring that local farmers are not left behind. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the State is working to make farmers more technology-savvy and positioned to benefit from modern digital tools, just as their counterparts do in more developed regions. These ongoing efforts reinforce Kwara's commitment to building an inclusive, forward-looking agricultural economy aligned with national goals and global best practices.