In a bold push for food security, the Edo State Government has begun the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmland across the state, starting with 60 hectares in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West LGA.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who inspected the site alongside Ministry of Agriculture officials, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for food sufficiency.
“This is the second time I have entered the bush to ensure we produce food for our people. We are not going back. It is back to the farm,” Okpebholo declared.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Osagie Peter, noted that the first phase of the project will benefit 250 farm heads. He also revealed that part of the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, covering 2,350 hectares, has been dedicated to permanent crops like oil palm and rubber.
The government plans to replicate similar farm settlements in Edo Central and Edo North, aiming to boost the local economy and reduce dependency on imported food.
