The Edo State deputy governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration has been working to stimulate agricultural production through various initiatives.
The deputy governor said those actions will place Edo among the top states in agricultural output in the fullness of time. He announced this yesterday in Benin, when he played host to the executives and members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State Chapter, led by the president, Alhaji Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako.
Idahosa stated that the sector was one of the five items on the Okpebholo-led administration’s agenda, despite pointing out that the state is endowed with fertile terrain and has the potential to greatly boost its GDP.
“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 of the state’s collaboration in strengthening the association, noting the government’s effort to tame 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.”
Bako, the AFAN chairman, had earlier in his speech praised the deputy governor’s years of work in fortifying the association and giving farmers large-scale inputs to boost output.
In order to reposition the association and address the situation facing farmers and herders, he also asked for the cooperation and support of the state government.
