The Edo State Government has once again shown its commitment to agricultural development and food security by empowering women, youths, and children with agricultural starter packs.
This was carried out under the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Programme, which held at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, described the programme as a key part of a national strategy aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector across Nigeria. She stated that the initiative was championed by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and is focused on improving livelihoods and promoting food security.
“Today we would be empowering women, youth and young farmers club in agriculture. Through these segments, we aim to enhance food security and reduce poverty, promote sustainable agricultural practices, increase agricultural productivity and efficiency and support entrepreneurship and job creation in agriculture,” Mrs. Anani explained.
She further announced plans to introduce the “Every Home a Garden Initiative,” which involves giving out seedlings to women, youths and school children to start their home gardens. The initiative includes a follow-up exercise to monitor progress, with a reward scheme for top performers. “The first prize winner will receive ₦1 million, the second ₦500,000, and the third ₦300,000,” she added.
In a related address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, noted that the programme also has strong links to health and sustainability. “Food is not just sustenance; it is medicine,” he said.
He explained that having a functional garden in homes, schools, and health facilities would increase access to fresh and nutritious food, help manage non-communicable diseases, improve child development, lower food costs, and promote a healthier and more self-reliant population.
Dr. Oshiomole referenced the national Food and Nutrition Policy Framework, saying, “The federal government, through its Food and Nutrition Policy Framework, has set a clear benchmark.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Golden Ogbodu, also highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in the sector. He said that Edo State is making real efforts to improve food security and economic growth through sustainable agriculture. According to him, the state has made provisions for tractors and fertilizer to support local farmers.
He further explained that the government plans to provide land to farmers’ cooperatives and will also deploy bulldozers and tractors to help clear and prepare the land. “We will provide seeds, stems and fertilizers. At harvest, tractors will be available and off-takers will be linked with farmers to buy their produce directly,” Mr. Ogbodu said.
He stressed that women would be a major focus of this initiative, stating that their involvement in agriculture would bring about economic empowerment and food stability in the State.
The empowerment programme covered both poultry and crop farming. Beneficiaries came from all three senatorial districts in Edo State and received critical resources such as day-old chicks, poultry feed, feeding troughs, crop seedlings, knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, wheelbarrows, and financial grants.
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