Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has launched a large-scale agricultural initiative with the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmland across the state’s three senatorial districts. This ambitious project, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security, aims to boost local food production and strengthen Edo’s economy.
The first phase kicked off in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West LGA, where 60 hectares (148 acres) have already been cultivated. Speaking at the site, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing agriculture and ensuring food sufficiency.
“This is the second time I’ve stepped into the fields to personally oversee our farming expansion,” he said. “We are clearing large expanses of land, and this is just the beginning. We are ready to farm, and there’s no turning back.”
The initiative will soon extend to Edo Central and Edo North, with an estimated 250 farm heads set to benefit from the first phase. The Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, established in 1962, spans 2,350 hectares, with portions already dedicated to palm and rubber plantations.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Osagie Peter, emphasized that the project will not only enhance food security but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
With this bold move, Edo State is making a strong statement: agriculture is the future, and it’s time to get back to the farm.
