Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state called on Nigeria to prioritise agricultural development in order to reshape its economic future.
Mr Obaseki, who spoke at the inauguration of the Edo Agricultural Hub on Tuesday in Benin, described the project as part of efforts to drive economic growth, ensure food security and foster sustainable development in the state.
He said that over the past eight years, his administration focused on building a foundation for a progressive and prosperous state to position Edo among Africa’s leading sub-nationals.
Mr Obaseki said his administration had recorded success in de-risking agriculture, supporting farmers and prioritising investment in the sector.
The governor stressed that agriculture was the backbone of Edo and Nigeria’s economies, contributing significantly to the GDP and essential for turning around the country’s fortunes.
According to him, agriculture is crucial, especially in ensuring food security at a time when many Nigerians struggle to eat even one meal daily due to rising food costs.
To achieve self-sufficiency, the governor said, Nigeria must prioritise local food production rather than relying on imported food, which weakened national food security.
“It is troubling that Nigeria spends more than $500 million yearly on imported dairy products, and we have the capacity to develop our own dairy industry with proper leadership,” he said.
Donatus Imaghodor, chairman of the Edo State Cassava Growers Association, praised the hub for providing access to advanced farming techniques and modern processing methods.
Mr Obaseki was joined at the event by his deputy, Godwin Omobayo, Mr Igbinedion, Edo 2024 governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo, and Edo PDP chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, among other dignitaries.