Farmers in Edo state have started returning to their farms across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) following improved security measures put in place by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. This development has been attributed to the efforts of the state government to enhance security, thereby boosting farmers' confidence to resume their farming activities. The return of farmers to their farms is expected to improve food production and strengthen food security in the state.
Alhaji Bako Dogwo, President of the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (IFAN) and Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), made this disclosure in Benin City. He commended Governor Okpebholo for his administration's efforts to improve security across the state, which has enabled farmers to access their farms and continue their farming activities. Dogwo expressed gratitude to the governor for creating a conducive environment for farmers to operate.
The farmers, under the aegis of IFAN, AFAN, and State Federated FADAMA Farmers, recently installed the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, as Patron of Edo farmers. During the event, Dogwo urged Tenebe to serve as a bridge between farmers and the state government. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between farmers and the government to promote agricultural development.
Hon. Prince Henry Ebole, speaking on behalf of the State Federated FADAMA Farmers, commended Governor Okpebholo for his administration's SHINE agenda. He pledged the support of farmers to the administration, citing the critical role farmers play in providing food and employment opportunities for youths. Ebole also disclosed that the association has about 2,000 registered FADAMA farmers and plans to increase its membership through ward-to-ward registration and sensitization.
Ebole further stated that the association would mobilize farmers to support the APC, highlighting the importance of farmers as a constituency in the state. He expressed optimism that with the support of farmers, the APC would achieve its goals in the state. The association's decision to support the APC is seen as a boost to the party's fortunes in the state.
Jarrett Tenebe, in his response, expressed appreciation to the farmers for honouring him as their patron. He pledged to support their activities and emphasized the importance of agriculture to the economy and food security. Tenebe, who is also a farmer, noted that Governor Okpebholo and other members of the Edo State Executive Council understand the significance of agriculture and have prioritized security to enable farmers to operate freely.
Tenebe accepted the position of Patron of Edo farmers and was decorated at the event. He promised to work closely with farmers and the government to promote agricultural development in the state. The event marked a significant milestone in the relationship between farmers and the government in Edo state, with a focus on promoting food security and economic development.
Key points
- Improved security has boosted farmers' confidence to return to their farms in Edo state.
- The state government has prioritized security to enable farmers to operate freely and increase food production.
- Farmers have pledged their support to the APC administration in Edo state.
