By Ajifa Ainoko
The Kogi State Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Ladi Jatto, has described the successful harvest of the greenhouse-grown cucumbers at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) as a landmark achievement in climate-smart agriculture and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
Speaking during the official greenhouse harvest ceremony held at the University’s Faculty of Agriculture, Mrs.Jatto expressed gratitude to all partners whose efforts made the milestone possible.
According to her, the event, organized through a partnership between the Kogi State ACReSAL Project and Federal University Lokoja, marked the first greenhouse produce to be harvested under the state’s climate-smart agricultural initiative.
“This moment is more than just the culmination of a planting cycle,” Barr. Jatto said. “It represents what vision, collaboration, and determination can achieve when stakeholders work together for sustainable development. When we embarked on this journey months ago, we saw beyond the seeds and soil, we envisioned a future where academic institutions serve as incubators for innovation in agriculture and climate resilience.”
She noted that the greenhouse initiative demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating research and technology into food production, stressing that it provides students and farmers alike with practical exposure to modern farming techniques.
Jatto appreciated the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its unwavering support toward agricultural transformation and environmental sustainability.
She also expressed appreciation to the World Bank and the ACReSAL National Office for their technical guidance and funding support, which have strengthened the implementation of the project in the State.
Also speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, lauded Kogi ACReSAL’s support to the institution, describing the harvest as a symbol of growth and sustainability.
He listed several interventions by the Project, including land preparation for 30 farmers, provision of improved maize and sorghum seeds, establishment of a university orchard, and the construction of the greenhouse facility.
The event had in attendance top government officials, including Mr.Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, who represented Governor Ododo, Yahaya Farouk, Commissioner for Water Resources, and Jubril Abu, Chairman, House Committee on Environment.
About The Author
