Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has earmarked 3,000 hectares of land for large-scale farming across the state’s three senatorial districts.
As part of the initiative, the government has commenced cultivation on 60 hectares (148 acres) in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo South. The move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food sufficiency in Nigeria.
During an inspection tour of the Iguoriakhi farm settlement, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Osagie Peter, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the project to Edo Central and Edo North.
“We are taking bold steps to make agriculture a key driver of Edo’s economy. This is the second time I am visiting the farms, and we are determined to ensure food production for our people,” Okpebholo stated. “We have already cleared a significant portion of land, and we plan to cultivate 3,000 hectares in this first phase. Edo State is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s vision for national food security.”
The Governor also assured farmers of government support to enhance agricultural output during this year’s farming season.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter disclosed that about 250 farm heads will benefit from the first phase of the project. He explained that the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, spanning 2,350 hectares, has been a dedicated agricultural hub since its acquisition in 1962, with portions already allocated to permanent crops like oil palm and rubber.
“We have cleared 60 hectares, which are now ready for tractorization. Once this process is complete, farm groups will receive land allocations of five hectares each,” Dr. Peter explained. “This initiative will not only strengthen food security in Edo South but also contribute to Nigeria’s overall agricultural growth.”
Governor Okpebholo and his entourage also visited the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority Integrated Farm at Obayantor in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, where they assessed ongoing agricultural projects.
The initiative, as gathered by WorldClaa247News,underscores the Edo State Government’s renewed focus on agriculture as a means of economic development, job creation, and food sustainability.