Edo State has budgeted over N70 billion for agriculture in its 2025 budget in line with the government’s commitment to prioritize agricultural development in the state.
Deputy Governor Mr. Dennis Idahosa disclosed this when he hosted the executives and members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo State Chapter, led by President Alhaji Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako, in Benin.
He stressed that agriculture is one of the five pillars of the current administration’s agenda and that the N70 billion budget allocation is part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Edo.
“For the first time in the history of Edo State, we have over N70 billion allocated for agriculture in our budget. With this, you will know that there is so much emphasis on agriculture.
“We are so blessed with fertile land, and before the advent of petroleum, agriculture was the key and major source of revenue to our country, and we were doing extremely well. When we discovered crude oil, we abandoned agriculture, and that is why we are where we are right now,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with the ongoing investments, Edo will become one of the top states in agricultural production.
“As a state, we are dedicated to revamping the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of our citizens. Food security is one of our key priorities, and by God’s grace, Edo will rank among the top states in agricultural production in the near future.”
The deputy governor further reassured the farming community of the state government’s support in addressing critical challenges, particularly insecurity and the farmers/herders conflicts that have affected agricultural activities.
He emphasized that the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure that farmers can return to their farms without fear for their safety.
“Farmers will now go back to their farms, and they will be safe and secure with their families,” Idahosa assured.
In his address, the Chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Ebiredelu Dogwo Bako, commended the deputy governor for his ongoing contributions to strengthening the association and for providing large-scale support to farmers, helping to increase productivity across the state.
He also called for continued collaboration between the state government and AFAN to address the pressing challenges facing farmers and resolve the ongoing farmers/herders crisis.
