Hundreds of farmers across Kwara State have benefited from a large-scale agricultural support programme aimed at increasing food production, improving crop yields, and strengthening farming activities across local communities.
The intervention, spearheaded by the Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode Foundation through its “Feed Kwara, Grow Kwara” initiative, has continued to provide essential farming inputs to farmers across the state as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture.
According to the foundation, the programme was introduced in 2023 and has since expanded to all 16 local government areas in Kwara State, reaching hundreds of farmers involved in crop cultivation and other agricultural activities.
Farmers Receive Fertilisers, Herbicides and Improved Seeds
In a statement issued by the foundation’s spokesperson, Nurudeen Muhammad, the organisation disclosed that beneficiaries have been supplied with a wide range of agricultural materials needed to improve farming productivity.
Items distributed under the programme include:
- Fertilisers
- Herbicides
- Improved crop seeds
- Knapsack sprayers
- Irrigation equipment
- Other modern farming tools
The foundation explained that the support programme was designed to help farmers reduce production costs, improve harvest output, and strengthen food supply across Kwara communities.
According to the statement, farmers from several communities in Kwara South have particularly benefited from the intervention, including those in Offa, Oyun, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke-Ero local government areas.
Communities such as Ajase-Ipo, Omu-Aran, Erin-Ile, Igosun, Ilemona, and Oke-Onigbin were also listed among areas where farmers received assistance through structured distribution processes.
Foundation Says Programme Is Open to All Farmers
The organisation stressed that the agricultural support initiative is non-political and open to all farmers in Kwara State regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
According to the foundation:
“If you are a Kwaran and you farm, you qualify. Hunger does not discriminate, and our intervention is designed to support every genuine farmer willing to contribute to food production.”
The group maintained that its primary objective is to support local farmers, encourage agricultural development, and contribute to food security across the state.
The foundation further noted that its intervention aligns with broader efforts to empower rural communities and improve livelihoods through agriculture.
Foundation Rejects Claims of Political Bias
The statement also addressed allegations made by the Kwara South Development Forum, which reportedly accused the foundation of carrying out politically motivated distribution exercises while allegedly ignoring growing insecurity in parts of the region.
Reacting to the claims, the foundation denied any form of political discrimination or bias, insisting that the programme focuses strictly on agricultural support and community development.
The organisation described attempts to link its farming intervention to criminal activities as false, misleading, and potentially harmful to communities already struggling with insecurity.
According to the statement:
“The foundation strongly condemns all forms of insecurity, including kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities in Kwara State. However, linking our agricultural support programme to criminality is both false and dangerous.”
The organisation warned that spreading such allegations could discourage genuine efforts aimed at rebuilding local economies and supporting vulnerable farming communities.
Security Challenges Affecting Farming Activities
The foundation acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious concern in several communities across Kwara State, particularly in rural farming areas.
It expressed solidarity with victims and families affected by kidnapping, violence, and attacks in parts of the state.
Despite the security challenges, the organisation said it remains committed to supporting farmers while also contributing to community safety initiatives.
According to the foundation, its activities have gone beyond farm input distribution to include support for local vigilante groups and the installation of solar-powered lighting infrastructure in some communities.
The organisation stated that improving security and promoting food production must go together.
“You cannot separate food production from the safety of those producing the food. Security and economic empowerment must work hand in hand,” the statement added.
Inclusive Distribution Process Introduced
The foundation explained that the recent April 2026 distribution exercise was carried out using what it described as a transparent and inclusive process.
It clarified that farmers from different communities, including long-settled groups actively engaged in farming, were included in the programme to ensure fairness and equal access to support.
The organisation stressed that its responsibility is limited to supporting verified farmers and not conducting criminal investigations.
“We do not support criminality in any form. Our role is to empower genuine farmers. If any beneficiary is later linked to criminal activities, it becomes the responsibility of security agencies to investigate and take necessary action,” the foundation said.
Plans Underway to Expand Agricultural Support
The Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode Foundation also announced plans to expand its agricultural intervention programme to additional communities across Kwara South ahead of the rainy season.
The organisation said the expansion forms part of its phased implementation strategy aimed at reaching more farmers and boosting food production throughout the state.
According to the foundation, increased support for farmers has become necessary due to rising food prices, economic hardship, and challenges affecting agricultural productivity nationwide.
The group urged community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to support initiatives that encourage farming, food security, and rural economic development.
Foundation Opens Records for Public Verification
In an effort to promote transparency, the foundation invited members of the public and media organisations to verify its activities and distribution records.
It disclosed that detailed records of beneficiaries, distribution procedures, and programme implementation are available for inspection at its office in Offa.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers across Kwara State and helping communities achieve sustainable agricultural growth through continuous intervention programmes.
With food security becoming an increasingly important national issue, many residents and agricultural stakeholders have described the initiative as a timely intervention capable of strengthening local farming activities and improving livelihoods across Kwara communities.
