As part of its commitments to ensuring food security in the State, the Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady led by the Coordinator, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has pledged more support for farmers in the State.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Mrs. Anani during an event at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Benin City, organized by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in recognition of the huge contributions to the Agriculture Sector by key personalities as patrons and matrons of the Association.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Anani, represented by the Oredo Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Esther Kolade, commended the farmers for their unwavering commitment to agro-production and food security in the State. In her words, “I would like to say a very big thank you to the farmers here today. Without you, we wouldn’t have food on our tables. With the passion you have shown in this work, I pray that God will bless your efforts and grant you greater success, giving you good yields from your farming”.
Mrs. Anani listed numerous opportunities in farming and emphasised their potentials to drive the State economic growth. She expressed her Office’s readiness to collaborate with the Association, stating that agricultural empowerment initiatives will be launched soon, which will greatly benefit farmers in the State. She admonished individuals to be passionate about their chosen occupation, saying that dedication brings rewards.
In a remark, the State Chairman of the Association, HRH Alhaji Bako Dogwo, commended Mrs. Anani for her support since assuming office. He stated, “Today is a day that everyone of us has come together to honour some illustrious sons and daughters because of what they have done for farmers and their contributions in Edo State. Like the First Lady, she has done so much for women farmers that is why she is among the awardees today. We are grateful having her as our mother and we also thank her”
Alhaji Dogwo highlighted the numerous achievements of the Association over time and appealed to Mrs. Anani for continued support and collaboration. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Mrs. Anani, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Gani Audu, amongst others, for their contributions to the growth of the Association.
