Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to use agriculture as a major tool for economic empowerment, food production, and youth engagement across the state.
The governor stated that agriculture remains central to his government’s development strategy because of its potential to tackle poverty, unemployment, hunger, and the neglect of rural communities.
Speaking in Benin City during the presentation of certificates and disbursement of working capital to 637 beneficiaries of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta project, the governor said the initiative was helping to equip young people and women with the knowledge and resources needed to build successful agribusinesses.
Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, explained that the project had become an important platform for training participants in modern agricultural practices and enterprise management.
He disclosed that Edo State had made remarkable progress under the programme, with 616 incubatees trained through 56 incubation centres spread across six local government areas.
According to him, the achievement was made possible through the cooperation of the State Project Coordinating Office, IFAD, mentors, incubation centres, implementing partners, and other stakeholders involved in the programme.
The governor added that the beneficiaries had received practical and technical training in different agricultural value chains, preparing them to establish profitable ventures and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
National Project Coordinator of LIFE ND, Sanni Abiodun, represented by Agribusiness Promotion Coordinator, Anthonia Esenwa, said the initiative had supported more than 4,500 youths, women, and persons living with disabilities in Edo State.
Esenwa commended President Bola Tinubu for providing funding support for the programme, noting that the Federal Government had shown commitment to youth empowerment through agriculture as a pathway to food security, employment generation, and economic expansion.
She encouraged beneficiaries to make proper use of the funds provided and ensure prompt repayment of the loans.
Edo State Project Coordinator of LIFE ND, John Omoruyi, said the programme aligns with the SHINE agenda of the Okpebholo administration and urged beneficiaries to channel the working capital into productive agricultural activities.
