By Adesuwa Ehimuan
The Office of the First Lady, Edo State, has recorded a bumper cassava harvest from its Model Skills Acquisition Farming Programme, contributing to the State Government’s efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The harvest took place at the First Lady’s Demonstration Farm in Uteh, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Coordinator Office of the First Lady Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, was represented at the event by the Chief Protocol Officer, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Mabel Obetoh.
It would be recalled that farm inputs, including cassava stems, were distributed last year to members of the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (IFAN) as part of an agricultural empowerment programme aimed at supporting farmers and encouraging increased agricultural production.
Mrs. Anani said the initiative aligns with the commitment of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, to supporting women in agriculture through sustained investment in farm inputs, capacity-building, and improved access to markets, with a view to enhancing food security and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The First Lady also disclosed that the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs recently inspected the farm and commended the initiative for its potential to empower women and strengthen agricultural development in the State.
The President of the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (IFAN), His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for providing a platform for the empowerment of women and smallholder farmers in Edo State.
Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Grace Ehinomen, Mrs. Tawa Bayefine, Mr. Friday Ebhomen, Pastor Igberase Monday, and Mrs. Esumeh Uche, among others, expressed appreciation for the free distribution of the cassava, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and beneficial to farmers.
