Edo Amongst Top Ranked States In Agricultural Production And Business
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
The Edo State deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa has informed us that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration has significantly influenced agricultural production through various initiatives in the state.
According to a statement made by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor, said those initiatives would indeed place Edo among the top states in agricultural production.
Idahosa made this disclosure on Thursday in Benin, when he hosted the executives and members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State Chapter, led by the president, Alhaji Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako.
He further explained that the state is blessed with fertile land, which has the prospect of significantly increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Idahosa also mentioned that the sector was among the five-point agenda of the Okpebholo-led administration.
“This administration remains committed to revamping the sector as of effort at improving the livelihood of its citizenry as well as residents.
“As an administration, food security is a key component of our five point agenda.
“For the first time in the history of Edo State, we have over N70 billion allocated for agriculture in our budget. With this, you will know that there is so much emphasis on agriculture.
“We are so blessed with fertile land, and before the advent of petroleum, agriculture was the key and major source of revenue to our country, and we were doing extremely well. When we discovered crude oil, we abandoned agriculture, and that is why we are where we are right now.
“In line with Mr. President’s agenda, he has asked every state to focus on agriculture. I can assure you, by the grace of God, Edo will rank top state in agric production and business,” he stated.
Idahosa, assured the farmers whose contribution has improved the Agricultural sector of the state of the government is commitment to strengthening the association as well as reducing insecurity especially farmers-herders clashes, and ensure peace and stability working with security agencies.
“On behalf of my principal, I can assure you that there is going to be a strong collaboration between the government and AFAN.
“Be assured that farmers will now go back to their farms, and they will be safe and secured with their families.”
Speaking , the Chairman AFAN, Bako, commended the contributions of the deputy governor over the years in strengthening the association, providing large-scale inputs to farmers, to increase productivity.
He further petitioned for the state government’s support and collaboration in repositioning the association and providing instant solutions to the farmers/herders crisis.
