The Edo State Government officially flagged off the 2026 Farming Season, on Thursday 9th Apri, 2026 marking the commencement of planting activities and reaffirming its commitment to food security and agricultural growth. The event brought together farmers and stakeholders from all 18 Local Government Areas and featured the distribution of essential farm inputs to boost productivity.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Jerry Uwangue, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and the critical role of agriculture in driving economic growth and livelihoods.
Representing the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilo, reaffirmed the administration’s support for farmers, highlighting a ₦70 billion allocation to the sector and continued efforts to create an enabling environment for agricultural development.
A major highlight of the event was the strong presence and impact of the LIFE-ND (Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta) Project. Beneficiaries were very well in attendance as they showcased a diverse range of agricultural and value-added products, including processed cassava (garri), fish products, plantain, and oil palm derivatives—demonstrating the project’s success in promoting agribusiness and value chain development.
As part of the project’s key interventions, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilo, represented the Governor during the distribution of 100kg capacity fish drying kilns, 12.5kg gas cylinders, and related accessories to 20 special intervention beneficiaries. He was supported by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment; and the Special Adviser from the First Lady’s Office, Edo State. The delegation also conducted an inspection of the LIFE-ND exhibition stand. The Governor expressed delight in the level of impact made by LIFE-ND in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Osedebame Bamiyi, noted that ongoing interventions, including mechanization and improved input access by LIFE-ND are already translating into increased food production and availability across the state.
Beneficiaries shared impactful testimonies. Mrs. Efe Ehanire highlighted improved efficiency in fish processing through the provision of modern kilns. Mr. Idris Topa, a cassava production champion, reported expanding his cultivation from four to ten hectares while diversifying into cassava processing and complementary enterprises. Mr. Osarunmwense Imuetinyan also confirmed increased productivity and profitability through the adoption of modern farming techniques introduced by the project.
Further emphasizing the project’s reach, the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer, Mrs. Grace Iredia-Amedu, disclosed that 4337 beneficiaries have been trained, with 665 supported across 100 communities under the Additional Financing phase.
The LIFE-ND Project, a collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), implemented by the Edo State Government, continues to play a pivotal role in transforming rural livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
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