FOOD SECURITY: GOV OKPEBHOLO EARMARKS OVER N70BN FOR AGRIC SECTOR IN 2025 BUDGET
In line with his administration’s commitment to address food insecurity and make Edo sufficient in food production, Governor Monday Okpebholo has earmarked over N70 billion for agriculture in the newly-signed Edo 2025 budget.
The 2025 budget tagged, “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo” is meant to revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy, with special focus on agricultural revolution, food production and infrastructural development.
Assenting to the bill, Governor Okpebholo stressed that, as an administration that is people-centric and concerned about the acute food shortage currently ravaging the country, the 2025 budget was given a significant boost to address the agricultural and make Edo State food sufficient.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku while presenting the approved 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Governor for his assent, said the need to adequately combat food insecurity and create food sufficiency in Edo State, necessitated the upward review of Edo 2025 budget from the initial N605 billion to N675 billion.
Noting that the country is currently experiencing acute shortfall in food production, a situation that has seen astronomical rise in the prices of food production, and increased hardship among Nigerians, Hon. Agbebaku stressed that the Legislative Arm is committed to partnering with the Governor in ensuring that Edo takes the lead in agricultural revolution and solving the current food challenges plaguing the country.
Hon. Agbebaku said: “We looked at the budget carefully, digested the content and decided, going by the current food insecurity in the country, to fund the agricultural sector to create food sufficiency in Edo State. ”
The Speaker continued: “So, the House agreed that the fund going to that sector be increased, and it was given a significant increase to ensure we achieve food sufficiency in Edo State.
“Your excellency, we are here to present the final approved budget that will scale you through this new year. The budget that will ensure infrastructure in all the constituencies in Edo State.”
This significant allocation to the agriculture sector in the 2025 budget to address food sufficiency and agricultural revolution underscores Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to food security, and reaffirmed his earlier announced plans to engage in massive mechanized farming across the three senatorial districts of the State in early 2025.
It is therefore expected that, with this significant amount allocated to the agricultural sector, and the proposed mechanized farming schedule to kick-start in early 2025, that Edo State will not only achieve food sufficiency, but also begin to export agricultural produce to neighbouring States in Nigeria .
Signed:
Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.
December 26, 2024.
