Okpebholo Flags Off 2026 Farming Season, Distribute Farming Materials Across 18 LGA

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has flagged off the second phase of the back to farm initiative of his administration with the distribution of farm equipment and inputs to farmers across the 18 local government areas of the State.

The flagged off of the 2026 farming season saw farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of the State converged to showcase various farm produce in a display that highlighted the State’s agricultural potential.

The event which held at the Agricultural Hub at Oko-Ogba road Benin City
signals the commencement of the second phase of the second farming planting season with the exhibition of various farm products and sectors within the agricultural value chain in Edo State.

The governor was represented by Secretary to Edo State government Musa Ikhilor, Esq who monitored the distribution exercise said, the Okpebholo administration remains committed to supporting farmers and strengthening agriculture to boost food production and ensure food security.

He reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to continue supporting farmers through increased funding for agriculture and the implementation of various agricultural programmes across the state.

He noted that the Okpebholo led administration prioritizes food production, security and agriculture making it one of the cardinal pillars of the SHINE agenda.

He said it is heart warming to see Edo people display their passion for farming to ensure food security and food production in the State, noting that farming is one of the oldest professions of human kind.

“Food is a necessity for survival, while agriculture is a profession that cannot fade like other professions as it will abide because human beings will continue to eat and need to feed ourselves.

“It’s good to see a level of involvement and engagement from our people and farmers as their actions encouraged the government”.

Gov Okpebholo said upon assumption of office on November 12th 2024, his first budget presented to EDHA saw a sum allocated to agriculture, which was the second or third in the whole of the Ministry in Edo State. This is to show the passion and commitment of the Executive Governor of Edo State for agriculture to ensure food production and security.

The governor was the first governor to visit the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement in the last twenty years (20 years)as he interacted with the farmers directly in the heart of the settlement.

“We have to be careful to deal with the real farmers not political farmers, this is the focus of this administration as the governor wants to be involved in every distribution of resources and materials to farmers. He want to be sure all distributed items here today get to the hands of real farmers not political farmers .

“The State government is passionate about agriculture, it’s not grammar but practical governance. As a government we would continue to support you with the necessary resources and enabling the environment to thrive. Our tractor is available and other Farm implements and items are ready for distribution.

“It’s important to us in Edo State to produce more food to feed our citizens and ensure food security in the State”.

Welcoming guests to the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Jerry Uwangue, described the programme as another step in the state government’s commitment to purposeful leadership and sustainable agricultural development.

“This administration is committed to strengthen agriculture as the backbone of our economy, ensure food security for Edo people and improve the livelihood of farmers.

“The objective of this programme is clear: to officially commence the 2026 farming season while sensitizing farmers on the importance of timely planning, adoption of improved agricultural practices, and effective utilization of modern input such as improved seedlings, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, and mechanization equipment”.

Earlier, a guest lecturer, Sunny Eronseyi, delivered a lecture titled “Strengthening Agricultural Systems for Food Security in Edo State,” where he examined the evolution of agriculture in the state and outlined strategies for improving productivity and sustainability.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Uwensuyi Monday, Godfrey Omoruyi and Henry Ebole commended Edo State government for the intervention and appealed for additional support to help them succeed in the 2026 planting season.

Farm inputs distributed to farmers at the event included STD spray, fertilizers, gloves, safety goggles, coverall protective clothing, fish processing kill, gas cylinder, farm boot, knapsack mist dusters, and other agricultural implements.