The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to harnessing digital innovation for agricultural transformation, aligning state-level strategies with the national drive to expand rural connectivity and modernize food systems.
This commitment was emphasized during a high-level stakeholder workshop themed “Regulatory and Policy Framework for Universal Telecom Access in Digital Agriculture”, hosted at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. The event was part of a broader initiative supported by the European Union under the DIGISOL Project, aimed at strengthening digital inclusion in agriculture across Nigeria.
Representing the Kwara State Government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, highlighted that the state is already investing in digital extension services, youth-led agri-tech solutions, and inclusive rural broadband infrastructure to empower farmers with tools, data, and market access.
“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,” Dr. Alabi said. “With innovations like mobile soil testing, weather-smart alerts, digital input subsidies, and e-registration, we are laying the digital foundation for a more resilient and productive food system.”
He affirmed that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration sees digital agriculture not just as a technological upgrade but as a cornerstone for rural transformation, particularly in empowering smallholder farmers and women-led agribusinesses.
Also present at the workshop was the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, who detailed the ongoing rollout of Kwara’s Optical Fibre Backbone Infrastructure Project. She noted that this infrastructure is central to improving digital penetration across underserved areas, with complementary efforts such as the recent launch of Notia FM in Baruten, designed to close longstanding rural information gaps.
Further underscoring the administration’s cross-sectoral approach, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, affirmed that the same digital principles are being applied to revamp the livestock sector supporting value chain efficiency, disease surveillance, and traceability systems.
In his presentation, Mallam Tajudeen Yahaya, DIGISOL Project Coordinator at Al-Hikmah University, described digital agriculture as a proven lever for improving rural productivity and livelihoods. He emphasized that access to real-time agricultural data and digital tools enables farmers to optimize planting cycles, reduce losses, and connect to wider markets.
The Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, praised the active involvement of the Kwara State Government and urged for deeper collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector to scale digital agriculture solutions. “Our collective future in food security depends on aligning rural innovation, policy, and research,” he said.
As global shifts continue to reshape agriculture, Kwara State is strategically positioning itself to ensure that no farmer is left behind. With increasing investments in digital infrastructure and capacity building, the state is advancing toward an inclusive, tech-driven agricultural economy that mirrors both national policy goals and international best practices.
