By Evbo-Imade Osarumwense
The need to adequately feed the populace of Edo State is the driving force behind the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration’s desire to make agriculture and agribusiness attractive to entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the State.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre, made this assertion when members of Research, Extension, Farmers Linkage system (REFILS) South-South Zone, led by the Executive Director NIFOR, Dr. Celestine Ikuenobe, paid him a visit in his office.
The Commissioner who paid glowing tribute to members of REFILS for their dogged resolve and activities to see to the growth of agriculture and agribusiness in the South-South Zone of Nigeria in general and Edo State in particular, said the State Governor is interested in the growth of agriculture in Edo State hence the recruitment of agriculture extension service officers as well as equipping them for better performance amongst other interventions by the State Government in the agricultural sub-sector.
Hon. Idehenre enjoined members of REFILS to give adequate attention to data collection and collation in order for the real farmers not to be left behind in the scheme of things as it is the Government’s desire to know the number of farmers and those involved in agri-business in the State.
The Commissioner also advised them to embark on mentorship so that young ones would be made to see the importance and profitably of agriculture and agri-business.
Dr. Celestine Ikuenobe who noted that Edo State has taken the number one position in agricultural development in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, expressed optimism that the tempo of development will be sustained.
Dr. Ikuenobe opined that for agriculture to be taken to the next level and for it to become an integral part of livelihood as it should be, extension services are very important, adding that Edo State will benefit greatly if extension services are prioritized.
Present at the meeting were Directors, Heads and other top functionaries of various Agricultural Ministries, Agencies and other Institutions (State and Federal) in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.
