Economy
Governor Okpebholo Flags Off 2025 Farming Season, Allocates N70bnt To Agriculture
Governor Okpebholo Flags Off 2025 Farming Season, Allocates N70bnt To Agriculture
Governor Okpebholo flags off 2025 farming season, allocates N70bn to agriculture. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) commended Mr Okpebholo for launching the farming season and prioritising the agricultural sector.
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday in Benin, flagged off the 2025 farming season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making the state a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Represented by the head of service, Anthony Okungbowa, the governor announced that N70 billion had been allocated to agriculture in the 2025 budget to boost the sector.
He emphasised that the flag-off marked a significant step toward enhancing agriculture, ensuring food security, and increasing farmers’ incomes and production levels across the state.
“The N70 billion allocation reflects our government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a major contributor to Edo’s economy while improving livelihoods for our citizens,” he said.
Mr Okpebholo noted that since assuming office in November 2024, his administration had prioritised agriculture as part of its development agenda, recognising its role in job creation, economic growth, and food security.
Under the Back to Farm Initiative, he explained that large farmlands would be developed across the state’s three senatorial districts to enhance large-scale farming and boost productivity.
“To ease farming, the government will provide modern equipment and machinery to reduce labour intensity, enabling farmers to benefit from technological advancements and improve farm output.
“We will also increase incentives for farmers and deploy trained extension officers to provide real-time guidance, ensuring improved farming practices and higher yields across the state,” he assured.
He said he would also invest in better road networks, storage facilities, and irrigation systems to facilitate the transportation of goods, reduce post-harvest losses, and support the agricultural sector.
The governor urged farmers to take full advantage of the farming season, adopt improved agricultural methods, and contribute to making Edo a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Peter Osagie, described the 2025 farming season as the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and a source of renewed hope for farmers.
“Through the Back to Farm Initiative, over 1,500 hectares of farmland will be developed, supporting both smallholder and commercial farmers with land access and extension services.
“As we enter the planting season, we move forward with clear direction and renewed energy, from land clearing and mechanisation to improved seeds and farmer support initiatives,” Mr Osagie said.
Governor Okpebholo
He disclosed that the government was strengthening ongoing programmes, such as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Programme (LPRES), while promoting climate-smart agriculture and fostering strategic partnerships.
In his goodwill message, Bako Dogwo, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended Mr Okpebholo for launching the farming season and prioritising the agricultural sector.
Mr Dogwo, however, urged the governor to address security concerns, particularly the threats posed by herdsmen and kidnappers, which he noted could hinder the state’s agricultural development.
President Tinubu Appoints Oloriegbe As NHIA Chairman
President Tinubu appoints Oloriegbe as NHIA chairman. Mr Oloriegbe served as the chairman of the Senate committee on health from 2019 to 2023.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ibrahim Oloriegbe as chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), effective March 11.
The appointment of the former Kwara central senator would be for an initial term of four years, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
Mr Oloriegbe represented Kwara central senatorial district at the ninth senate of the National Assembly.
He holds a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC, Paris, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Tinubu Appoints Oloriegbe
He is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nigeria Venereal Disease Association, Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria, International Aids Society (IAS), and the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network.
Mr Oloriegbe served as the chairman of the Senate committee on health from 2019 to 2023 and the chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health.
Eid-el-Fitr: Atiku Urges Leaders To Prioritise Welfare Of Nigerians, God’s Fear
Eid-el-Fitr: Atiku urges leaders to prioritise welfare of Nigerians, God’s fear. He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.
Aformer vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has admonished leaders at all levels to prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Mr Abubakar made the plea in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Sunday in Abuja. He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.
“While the Ramadan season encourages charity to the less privileged, it becomes imperative on leaders to make sure that after Ramadan, governments initiate interventions that will ensure that wellbeing and welfare of the people are sustained.
“It is important to call the attention of those in positions of authority to the practices of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that teaches about obligations of leadership to the people.
“It is not enough that the government will ask that the people should brace themselves for harsh economic conditions.
“It is more sufficient for the leadership to show compassion on the masses and by acting with fear of God,” Mr Abubakar said.
Atiku
Mr Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting.
He described the completion of Ramadan fasting as a blessing from the Almighty.
He reminded Muslim faithful that the celebration of Eid-el-fitri, “should be an opportunity to remind ourselves to continue to intensify the good deeds that were embraced during Ramadan.
He also advised people to continue to pray for progress in their private lives and that of Nigeria.
Eid-el-Fitr: Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu Urges Tolerance, Peaceful Co-Existence
Eid-el-Fitr: Power minister Adebayo Adelabu urges tolerance, peaceful co-existence. The minister also prayed for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for unity, tolerance, and peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
According to a statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the minister made the call in his message to the Muslims on Sunday.
The minister said, “National development could only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.”
Mr Adelabu commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion, sacrifice, and steadfastness during Ramadan, urging them to sustain the virtues of piety, charity, and unity beyond the holy month.
He said the self-discipline exhibited during fasting should inspire Nigerians to work collectively towards national progress, particularly in critical sectors such as power.
”As we celebrate Eid, let us carry forward these values in our daily lives, fostering harmony and contributing to the growth of our nation,” he said.
Mr Adelabu reassured Nigerians of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to improving electricity supply nationwide.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by citizens and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to implementing sustainable solutions that would ensure stable, affordable, and reliable power for all.
”We are working tirelessly to address infrastructure gaps, enhance generation, strengthen transmission and distribution networks to meet the energy needs of every Nigerian, including our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating the joyous occasion,” he said.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu
Mr Adelabu, however, urged Nigerians to support government efforts by promoting energy conservation, reporting illegal connections, and safeguarding power installations in their communities.
The minister also prayed for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity, adding that with collective effort and divine guidance, the country would overcome its challenges and achieve greater heights.
”May the blessings of Eid bring joy, peace, and fulfilment to every home. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, grant our nation enduring peace, and bless us with prosperity,” he said.
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