By Samuel Igbavboa
The Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Stephen Idehenre, has said that the Edo State Government is committed to making the State the agricultural hub of Nigeria and that the Edo Agricultural Hub will be an all-inclusive agricultural business.
Mr. Stephen Idehenre made the assertion during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Edo State Agricultural Hub at the premises of the Edo Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Oko, Benin City.
In his address to leaders and members of the host community, the Commissioner reiterated the State Government’s commitment to developing the agricultural sector of the State, hence the ongoing construction and reforms in the sector.
The Commissioner noted that the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) will now be known as Edo Agricultural Hub. According to the Idehenre, “As a result of the ongoing reforms, the Edo ADP, Oko, will now be known as Edo Agricultural Hub. The Hub will be commissioned at the completion of the construction works.
“This feat is first of its kind in the Country and that makes Oko Community the first community in Edo State to host major agriculture stakeholders within its boundaries, as the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, its Departments, Agencies as well as FADAMA, LIFE-ND, among others, will be situated at the Hub”.
Idehenre revealed that the plan to construct the Hub is apt as the State has a new model of agricultural enterprise, stating that the Hub will be a central point for everything concerning agriculture, which qualifies it as “a one stop shop”. He said this will foster a centralized and effective agricultural practice in the State.
The Odionwere of Oko Community, Chief Sunday Omoma, was elated and appreciative of the State Government’s diverse agricultural initiatives and the realization of the Agricultural Hub during his reign as Odionwere. He assured the State Government of the support of Oko Community in every form and also in prayers, noting that the Agricultural Hub will boost the economic potentials of his community by creating more employment for youths and also improve the quality of farm produce.
The Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme, Mr. Edward Izevbigie, thanked the Odionwere and the Chiefs of Oko Community for being part of the tour of the facilities at the Hub. He emphasized the need for Oko Community Heads to appreciate the progress and development that Governor Obaseki’s administration has brought to Oko Community. He added that the Agricultural Hub is a thing of wonder that will improve the lives of the average residents in the Community.
