By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing food production in the State and ensuring security by empowering grassroots farmers through the Edo State FADAMA CARES project of the Renewed Hope Initiative by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during the agricultural empowerment flag-off ceremony, which held at Udomi Primary School in Udomi Community, Esan Central, Edo State, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, while appreciating stakeholders, highlighted that the initiative aims to support rural farmers, especially women and youth, with agricultural inputs for enhanced agricultural production, economic prosperity, and well-being of the State.
According to Mrs. Anani, “This initiative is designed to support rural farmers, enhance food security, and improve the livelihood of the most vulnerable in our State and the Country at large. By providing agricultural inputs, assets to our farmers, we aim to boost productivity and increase income and enhance overall well-being.”Mrs. Anani urged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity for increased income and well-being and to desist from selling the assets.
In her words, “It is about empowering our farmers, particularly our women and youth, to take control of their agricultural practices, improve their socio-cultural and economic status. I urge all beneficiaries today to utilize this opportunity to its fullest potential. Make the most of these agricultural inputs and assets to boost your productivity, increase your income, and provide for your overall well-being.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande, remarked that the ceremony highlights Edo State’s commitment to food security and support to smallholder farmers through deliberate policies and investments. In his words, “This ceremony is not just a formal exercise, but a reflection of the Edo State Government’s continued commitment towards ensuring food availability and security, improving rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the State.
This is a result of deliberate policies and investments made by the current administration to support small holder farmers, who are the true heroes of our food systems.”
The State Project Coordinator of Edo FADAMA CARES, Hon. Ali Ibrahim asserted that Governor Okpebholo’s supports for Edo FADAMA CARES project will boost food security, job creation and poverty reduction. He mentioned that 437 beneficiaries received agricultural inputs and equipment from the empowerment initiative.
Hon. Ibrahim stated, “The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has taken agriculture as one of the cardinal projects, and therefore has greatly supported Edo FADAMA CARES project, towards delivering on its objectives on food security, job creation and poverty reduction at the grassroots.
“Today, a total number of 437 beneficiaries will be supported along the value chain of agriculture, in production, processing and mechanization. These include inputs for cassava production, such as improved cassava cuttings, fertilizers, herbicides, cassava milling equipment, tricycles, motorized sprayers, defeathering machines, power tillers and mini grinders for light processing”.
The beneficiaries including Mr. Okhiria Joseph, commended Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and the empowerment initiative, noting that the agricultural inputs and assets would greatly ease their workload. The highlight of the Programme was the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries.
