Agriculture
Kogi’s Community Gears Up For Transformative Agricultural Show To Boost Food Security
By Salifu Usman, Abuja
Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch in Dekina local government area as the Aloko Oganenigu Agricultural Show prepares to open its gates. Thousands of farmers from within the community, across Kogi State, and even further afield are set to converge, ready to proudly display a diverse array of their agricultural produce at what promises to be a landmark event for the region’s agricultural sector.
Beyond the vibrant showcase of crops and livestock, the initiative holds a profound objective: to ignite a passion for agriculture among younger generations. Organisers envision the show as a catalyst, inspiring youth to embrace farming as a viable and rewarding pathway towards sustainable development and robust economic growth for the state.
The event is not merely a local affair; its significance is underscored by the high-profile attendance expected. Academia, key policymakers, top security experts, and a host of influential politicians are slated to grace the occasion. Notably, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside both federal and state lawmakers, will be present, highlighting the government’s commitment to agricultural development.
Elder Michael Alfa, the visionary initiator and patron of the organising body, the Aloko Oganenigu Township Development Forum, expressed immense satisfaction with the overwhelming community support. “The overwhelming support received from individuals, groups, and stakeholders across the Oganenigu community has laid a strong foundation for what promises to be a historic and transformative agricultural event,” stated Elder Alfa. He further emphasised that this remarkable outpouring of unity, commitment, and shared responsibility reflects a common vision for development, enhanced food security, and the economic upliftment of Oganenigu community and beyond.
Elder Alfa extended his heartfelt appreciation to all donors and supporters, whose generosity has been instrumental in bringing the show to fruition. He noted that their contributions have not only energised the planning process but have also fortified the conviction that, with unity, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. He used a powerful local adage to illustrate this point: “just as a united community can tie down a lion.” This sentiment resonates deeply within a community striving for progress and collective prosperity.
Providing an update on the extensive preparations, Aminu Haruna, chairman of the Aloko Oganenigu Township Development Forum, assured stakeholders that the organising team remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and innovative agricultural exhibition. “As activities intensify, the organising team remains committed to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and innovative agricultural exhibition,” Hon. Haruna affirmed. He reiterated that the core aims of the event are multifaceted: to empower local farmers with new knowledge and opportunities, to inspire greater youth participation in the agricultural sector, and to robustly showcase the rich agro-potential of the Oganenigu community. Ultimately, these efforts are geared towards bolstering food security and fostering long-term sustainability within the region and Kogi State as a whole.
Agriculture
PULA, Leadway Assurance Disburse ₦396 Million to Climate-Affected Farmers, Strengthen Food Security Efforts
In a major intervention to shield smallholder farmers from climate shocks, agri-insurtech firm PULA has spearheaded the disbursement of ₦396,697,672 in insurance claims to over 40,000 farmers impacted during the 2025 wet season.
The payout, executed in partnership with Leadway Assurance and supported by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), covered farmers across Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States who suffered climate-related losses.
The initiative was made possible in part by Bayer Foundation, whose $450,000 premium subsidy support in 2025 wet season helped lower the cost of insurance for thousands of vulnerable smallholders in 8 states, with 4 states receiving payouts. The Foundation is set to scale up its contribution to match the growing aspirations of state governments.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Claims Payout under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM), PULA’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro, said the initiative goes beyond compensation, insisting that it’s about securing Nigeria’s food systems.
“Our focus is not just on payouts but on increasing food production. We must continue to support farmers who work tirelessly under harsh conditions to feed the nation,” Dr. Enahoro said. He called for stronger policies that directly impact farmers and reaffirmed PULA’s commitment to expanding agricultural insurance as a tool for resilience.
PULA’s data-driven approach to climate risk was key to identifying affected farmers and triggering payments. The company worked with Leadway Assurance to underwrite the risk, while PFSCU aligned the program with the national food security agenda. State governments also supported grassroots enrollment.
Gboyega Lesi, MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance, described the payout as “a reinforcement of a safety net that protects the hard work of thousands of farmers,” adding that “through climate insurance, we ensure that a bad season does not translate into total loss of livelihood.” He commended PULA’s technology and field structure for making rapid, transparent payouts possible.
Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agric Solutions at Leadway Assurance, noted that the 2025 wet season brought significant climate variability and yield fluctuations. “The true value of insurance lies in claims payment, especially in challenging periods. Our data-driven partnership with PULA helped mitigate losses,” he said.
Looking ahead, PULA and Leadway Assurance plan to scale coverage to 73,000 farmers in the 2026 farming season, deepening penetration of climate insurance across Nigeria’s food-producing belts.
Commissioners from the beneficiary states commended PULA and Leadway Assurance for de-risking agriculture, restoring farmers’ confidence, and building a more resilient agricultural sector
State-by-state breakdown of claims facilitated by PULA:
- Taraba State: ₦154,308,035
- Borno State: ₦127,192,472
- Kaduna State: ₦69,726,150
- Plateau State: ₦45,471,015
Total: ₦396.7 million.
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