Food Security: Okpebholo’s Administration Allocates N70bn To Agric

The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has allocated over N70 billion to agriculture as part of its strategy to make the state Nigeria’s agricultural hub.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa disclosed this on Thursday in Benin City while hosting the Edo State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), led by its president, Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako.

Idahosa emphasized that agriculture is a key component of the administration’s five-point agenda and assured farmers of government support in boosting food production and security.

“For the first time in the history of Edo State, we have over N70 billion allocated for agriculture in our budget. This demonstrates our commitment to revamping the sector to improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

Highlighting Edo’s vast agricultural potential, Idahosa noted that before the discovery of crude oil, agriculture was Nigeria’s main source of revenue.

He added that the state government is aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s call for states to prioritize agriculture.

In a statement endorsed by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Idahosa said those initiatives would place the Edo among top states in agricultural production in the fullest of time.

Idahosa gave the assurance 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, Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako.

While noting that the state was blessed with agricultural land and also had the prospect of significantly increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the deputy governor added 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, who assured the farmers of the state’s collaboration in strengthening the association, also noted 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 secure with their families,” Idahosa reassured.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman AFAN, Bako, commended the contributions of the deputy governor over the years in strengthening the association by providing large-scale inputs to farmers, to increase productivity.

He further solicited the state government’s support and collaboration in repositioning the association and providing solutions to the farmers/herders crisis.