BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN ROSE
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has allocated ₦70 billion to the agricultural sector in the 2025 budget, as part of his administration’s efforts to address food insecurity and revitalise the state’s economy through agriculture.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua on Thursday that the budget aligns with the Governor commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity in Edo State.
The governor previously proposed ₦4.5 billion for the sector. However, the sum was significantly increased to ₦70 billion by the State House of Assembly during budget deliberations.
The 2025 budget, titled “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo”, aims to rejuvenate the state’s economy, focusing on agricultural transformation, food production, and infrastructural development.
Governor Okpebholo, who recently signed the bill into law, said that the budget reflects his administration’s priority to combat the nationwide food shortage. He described the allocation as a bold step towards making Edo a hub for food production and sufficiency.
“This significant allocation underscores my administration’s dedication to food security,” Okpebholo stated. “We are set to commence large-scale mechanized farming across the three senatorial districts of Edo in early 2025, ensuring food sufficiency and positioning the state to export surplus produce to neighbouring states.”
Speaking at the presentation of the approved budget, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, highlighted the importance of increasing funding for agriculture. He noted that the budget was revised upwards from ₦605 billion to ₦675 billion to prioritise food security.
Agbebaku acknowledged the acute shortfall in food production across the country, which has resulted in soaring food prices and widespread hardship. He assured that the legislature is committed to supporting the governor’s plans for an agricultural revolution in Edo State.
