The Edo State Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden has reaffirmed that the State Government is poised towards agricultural revolution and its five point development agenda, tagged, “project SHINE” which is an acronym for Security,
Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition-agriculture and Education.
He made this disclosure when delivering a speech, at a one day workshop on audit and management of Agricultural land in Edo State, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, held at John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
According to him, “the Governor has prioritised agricultural development, the budgetary allocation of 70 billion Naira to the agricultural sector is unprecedented in the history of the State.
”The budget is targeted mainly at Agriculture related infrastructural development, procurement of farm machinery, such as tractors with full implement, bulldozers, excavators, as well as massive land development and farm inputs, improved seeds and fertilisers for farmers empowerment. Also, job and wealth creation and all that is geared towards ensuring food and nutrition security.
”Land as the bedrock on which agricultural production takes place is a universal growth medium from which crops derive their nutrients”.
Mr. Ugbodu, emphasized that land is a fixed asset and limited in supply hence the need for it to be put to sustainable use, as it brings to bear the land management practices. He gave the importance of the audit and management of State owned land as crucial for several reasons not limited to planning development and sustainable use for agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, public trust, transparency/accountability and resource optimisation.
”Edo is blessed with vast fertile and largely under developed arable land allocated to the Farm Settlement Scheme, which comprises, Iguoriakhi, Ekpo Byma and Sobe farm settlements, and is grossly insufficient to cater for the teeming population of the State”. Mr. Ugbodu said.
He further explained that the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align with strategies and build a framework for an integrated audit and management system of agricultural land.
On his part, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Osayande stated that the workshop was coming at the most appropriate time to provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align strategies and build a framework for an integrated land audit system, one that would leverage on the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo-GIS, Edo State Forestry Commission and other key MDAs.
He urged relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration between the Government, private investors and communities so as to ensure that land use supports inclusive growth and mutual benefits.
In his closing remark, Mr. David Ogunbor, appreciated and commended all stakeholders, representatives from the respective MDAs, Community Leaders, farmers, researchers and development partners for their active participation and contribution.
”Your commitment and expertise has enriched this dialogue and strengthened our shared vision for a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector”. He said.
Okojie Francisca
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
PHOTO CAPTION
8th Right(Front Row): the Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden; 8th Left: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande in a group photograph with other Stakeholders during the workshop.
