Farmers across Kwara Central Senatorial District have received fertilisers and essential farm inputs as Senator Saliu Mustapha flagged off the fourth phase of his agricultural empowerment programme aimed at increasing food production and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The distribution, held on Monday, 29th June 2026, at the Senator’s Constituency Office in Fate, Ilorin, brought together farmers’ associations, agricultural stakeholders and beneficiaries from across the district.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alhaji Adebayo Ahmed Ayodele, welcomed participants to the event and described the initiative as another demonstration of Senator Mustapha’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Senator, the Consultant coordinating the empowerment programme, Mallam Nasir Abdulquadri, said Senator Mustapha believes in investing in people through sustainable empowerment rather than one-time assistance.
He noted that the Senator is passionate about increasing food production and ensuring farmers have access to modern farming equipment and inputs. According to him, training beneficiaries on the proper use of the equipment is essential to achieving the desired results.
“It is compulsory to teach people how to use the equipment before empowering them because knowledge guarantees effective utilisation and long-term impact,” he said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Vice Chairman (Livestock) of the Kwara State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Alao Garuba Sodiq; a representative of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mallam Abudulrasak Aiyelejo and the Chairperson of the Abike Loko Farmers Association, Mrs Fatima Abubakar.
The speakers commended Senator Mustapha for prioritising agricultural development and empowering farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity and enhance food security.
As part of the empowerment programme, fertilisers, power tillers, water pumps and sprayer were distributed to farmers and farmers’ groups. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) also received a power tiller, Fish farmers association also receive water pumps to support mechanised farming activities among its members.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Senator Mustapha, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, especially as farmers prepare for the planting season. They pledged to make effective use of the equipment and inputs to boost production and contribute to food security in Kwara State and Nigeria at large
