Agriculture: The ‘New Liquid Gold’ for Economic Growth in Edo – Mrs. Anani
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has described agriculture as the “new liquid gold,” highlighting its critical role in driving economic development and ensuring food security in the state.
Speaking while receiving members of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) at the Government House in Benin City, Mrs. Anani commended the group’s dedication to empowering women in agriculture. She emphasized the need for women and youths to actively participate in farming, leveraging government-backed initiatives to boost productivity.
“Under this administration, Governor Monday Okpebholo has made historic investments in agriculture. His passion for food security has led to the rollout of several empowerment programs for women and youths in the sector,” she said. “Edo State has fertile land, and with the right policies and support, we can become a leading hub for food production in Nigeria.”
She also noted that the World Bank is providing significant funding opportunities for agricultural development, encouraging women to seize the moment and tap into available resources.
Tracy Agol, leader of NWAPDI, praised Mrs. Anani for her unwavering support of women’s empowerment, particularly in agriculture. She called for greater recognition of female farmers, pointing out that despite their significant contributions, many remain marginalized in accessing government incentives.
To address this, NWAPDI has proposed a four-year implementation agenda, “Edo is Rising: Agricultural Training and Empowerment Initiative for Women and Youth Farmers.” The initiative aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable agricultural development and aims to enhance food production while boosting economic opportunities for women and young farmers across Edo State.
