Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

04/11/2025

Inspection of the renovation of Agric ware house by the hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, hon.Dr. Jerry Uwangue and his team.

04/11/2025

04/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1a8ZZdPswh/

*Agriculture Ministry: Commissioner Tasks Staff on Cleanliness, Transparency, and Accountability*

By Okojie Francisca

*See Details 👇*
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1a8ZZdPswh/

*Kindly Follow, Like, Comment and Share*

25/10/2025

His Excellency the Executive Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo,has a clear and unwavering vision for agriculture in Edo State, and we are committed to transforming this vision into reality.

I had the honour of joining His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on a tour of the state-owned Udomi Farm in Edo Central. This visit is not just a milestone; it marks the beginning of a strategic shift towards large-scale agriculture, which will be the cornerstone of our economic growth. It is a strategy that promises to create countless jobs, elevate our existing farmers, and fortify the agricultural sector for future generations.

By investing in sustainable and large-scale farming practices, we are not only creating a thriving agricultural ecosystem but also fostering a more diversified economy. This is about building a future where agriculture is not merely a sector but the backbone of our state’s growth. We are focused on providing our farmers with the resources, training, and market access they need to succeed, ensuring they are equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The goal is clear: food security for every Edo citizen and shared prosperity for all. We will continue to engage, innovate, and invest in agriculture as the key driver of socio-economic development.

Together, we will build an Edo that not only thrives in agriculture but sets the standard for excellence in food security and economic resilience.

HON. DR. JERRY UWANGUE, DFCISM
Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

25/10/2025

*PRESS RELEASE NO.222/EDSGH/2025

*OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
*EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

*MY ADMINISTRATION IS DIVERSIFYING EDO’S ECONOMY THROUGH LARGE-SCALE AGRICULTURE- GOV OKPEBHOLO*

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to practical and result-driven governance and the diversification of the State's economy through large-scale agriculture.

The Governor made the remarks when he led top government officials on an inspection tour of the State-owned Farm, located in Udomi, Edo Central Senatorial District.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo described the Farm as a tangible example of his administration’s resolve to translate policies into visible results that benefit the people.

The Governor said: "It is a practical farm by my administration that delivers on practical governance. That is what you are seeing here. We do not just talk; we do it for you to see.”

Governor Okpebholo commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the progress made and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on achieving food security, job creation, and economic diversification through large-scale agriculture.

He emphasized that projects like the Udomi Farm represent a clear departure from promises on paper to results that can be seen and measured, underscoring his government’s commitment to empower local farmers and support agro-industrial development across Edo State.

Earlier, the Director of Agricultural Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ogunbo Osarobo David, who conducted the Governor and his team round the farm, disclosed that the maize cultivated at the site had reached the harvesting stage.

According to him, the farm is currently recording between six to seven tons of maize per hectare across 400 hectares, with the Prime Flour Mill at Ewu serving as the major off-taker.

Earlier in the day, Governor Okpebholo had inspected ongoing construction work at the Benin Flyover, Ramat Park, Benin City, to ascertain the level of progress before proceeding to the Udomi Farm.

Signed
Fred Itua
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Friday, 24 October, 2025

21/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CgFLN1AWJ/

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Assumes Office

The newly appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Dr Jerry Uwangue,has Officially assumed office.

He held a meeting with the Directors and Staff of the ministry, engaging them in meaningful conversations about the ministry's vision and opportunities ahead.

According to him, " i am confident that together we will strengthen the Edo State Agricultural value chain, enhance food security and empower our farmers.

"There is so much to be done and with your dedication, we will make remarkable progress for the people of the State.

Dr Uwangue, pledged for collaborative leadership in advancing the SHINE agenda of the present administration. He also commended Governor Senator Okpebholo for his transformative leadership.

Earlier, the functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Osayande, congratulated the hon. commissioner for is well deserved appointment.

He took the commissioner on a guilded tour of the ministry's facilities for better understanding of its operations.

Okojie Francisca
Public relations officer,
Ministry of Agriculture and food security.

21/10/2025

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Assumes Office

The newly appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Dr Jerry Uwangue,has Officially assumed office.

He held a meeting with the Directors and Staff of the ministry, engaging them in meaningful conversations about the ministry's vision and opportunities ahead.

According to him, " i am confident that together we will strengthen the Edo State Agricultural value chain, enhance food security and empower our farmers.

"There is so much to be done and with your dedication, we will make remarkable progress for the people of the State.

Dr Uwangue, pledged for collaborative leadership in advancing the SHINE agenda of the present administration. He also commended Governor Senator Okpebholo for his transformative leadership.

Earlier, the functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Osayande, congratulated the hon. commissioner for is well deserved appointment.

He took the commissioner on a guilded tour of the ministry's facilities for better understanding of its operations.

Okojie Francisca
Public relations officer,
Ministry of Agriculture and food security.

20/10/2025

2rd row, 8th, Mr. Graham Smith, consultant to raamp, federal project unit, Abuja. 7th, Commissioner for works, Hon. (Dr) Felix Akhabue, 6th, Amb. Goodness Agbo, consultant to raamp,
5th, Alhassan Aliyu, Consultant to raamp 4th , Permanent Secretary Ministry of works, Engr. John Obanor, 2nd, Apostle Dr.Rowell Omoro, Representative, Christian Association of Nigeria, 1st, State Project Coordinator,Edo State, Raamp, Engr. Owara Obamwonyi, 8th left, HRH Bako Dogwo, 7th, Irabor Emmanuel, representative of the National Coordinator Abuja, in a group photograph with other stakeholders during the 2nd stakeholders consultation Engagement on Raamp reforms leading to the creation of RARA and SRF.at joopsa

20/10/2025

*Edo Government Moves to Finalize Rural Roads Sector Reform Laws.*

The Edo State Government has moved to finalise the Rural Roads Sector Reform Laws, a key requirement for participation in the World Bank Assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing rural connectivity and improving access to agricultural markets across the state.

This was disclosed during a one-day stakeholders’ consultation meeting held in Benin City, organized by the Edo State Government in collaboration with the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and other Development Partners.

Speaking at the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Felix Akhabue, reiterated the administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and inclusive rural development.

“We are committed to continuing meaningful road projects across rural communities in Edo State. This reform is people-driven and built on government-private partnership that ensures participatory budgeting. It is aimed at closing the gap between urban and rural areas,” Akhabue said.

The consultation focused on two critical components of the reform—the creation of a State Road Fund (SRF) and a Rural Access Road Agency (RARA)—both designed to institutionalize road maintenance and enhance access for agricultural activities.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, emphasized the importance of RAAMP in tackling post-harvest losses and supporting rural livelihoods.

On his part, Engr. Ehizojie Irabor, who represented the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Mohammed, noted that the project would provide lasting solutions to infrastructure deficits in rural areas and boost agricultural trade.

State Project Coordinator, Engr. Owara Obamwonyi, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the initiative is poised to “improve the welfare of rural communities and create economic linkages through better road networks.”

A highpoint of the session was a workshop presentation delivered by Graham Smith, Lead Consultant from FPMU, which provided a framework for reform and spurred in-depth discussions among stakeholders, including leaders and policy makers at the state and local government levels, organised private sector, civil society groups, and development agencies.

With this move, Edo State is positioning itself as a model for rural infrastructure reform under Nigeria’s RAAMP initiative.

Okojie Francisca
RAAMP
Communication Specialist.

18/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Z5qfbp8E/

Head of Service visits the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to unveil Edo-PREP
‎
‎The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa has visited the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to Unveil and discuss the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP).
‎
‎During his visit at the Agriculture Hub, he emphasized building synergy and unity among staff for improved productivity.
‎
‎ He explained that, Edo-PREP is aimed at strengthening leadership staff engagement, entrench professionalism and enhance service delivery within the State Public and Civil Service.
‎
‎Dr. Okungbowa encouraged staff to share ideas and provide feedback to enhance proficiency within the Service, and assured that the challenges highlighted by the Ministry's staff would be addressed accordingly by the State Government.
‎
‎He disclosed that some key aspects of Edo-PREP included thirty five (35) modules, and each led by a Permanent Secretary or Head of Agency to ensure full ownership and effective implementation.
‎
‎"Bureau of Public Service reforms will institutionalize and sustain ongoing reforms efforts beyond the current administration.
‎
‎"Mentorship framework prioritizes leadership development and staff well being.
‎The wellness and fitness modules focus on the emotional intelligence mental health and overall well being of workers". He explained.
‎
‎Dr. Okungbowa further disclosed plans for the establishment of a State Local Government Joint Service Council to bridge the gap between the two tiers of Government in ensuring coordinated development. He added that the structure will help maintain uniform growth, strengthen collaboration and prevent disconnection in the collective reform efforts.
‎
‎The Head of Service stated that he had a proposed digital Public Service Library to serve as a knowledge hub and learning platform for Civil and Public Servants across the Service.
‎
‎According to him, "We want to create an environment where innovation is not only encouraged, but also celebrated". He added that the Commissioner for livestock development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponwosa would be the Patron.
‎
‎On the area of workers welfare the HOS said the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo had continued to demonstrate that the welfare of workers is his concern, stating from prompt payment of salaries and promotions of workers, reiterating that the Governor understands that a motivated workforce is the key to efficient service delivery.
‎
‎During the interactive session, Dr. Okungbowa admonished officers to embrace loyalty as a core value in Service. Stressing that a Civil Servant must be loyal to the Government of the day and serve with passion and dedication.
‎
‎He appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria labour Congress(NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JNC) for partnering with his office on the visit in ensuring the success of the Governor's vision for the Civil and Public Service.
‎
‎The newly appointed Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponwosa appreciated the Governor for his appointment and thanked the Head of Service for his visit to the Agric Hub. He also appreciated the Governor for the initiative of introducing Edo-PREP, seeking synergy between the Office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security so as to achieve the Governor's SHINE agenda.
‎
‎While delivering the vote of thanks, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande thanked the HOS for his visit, describing it as a refreshing innovation that would strengthen the bond between the leadership and the workforce in promoting transparency in the Service. He pledged for continued collaboration in implementing the reforms.
‎
‎
‎Okojie Francisca
‎Public Relations Officer
‎Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
‎
‎
‎PHOTO CAPTION
‎
‎ Middle: the Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; 7th Left: Permanent Secretary, Directorate, Human Resource Management, Mrs. B.j.Igbinobaro; 6th Left: the Director General of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Mrs. Gina Otamere; 5th Left: the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande; 4th Left; the Project Manager, ADP, Mr. Princewill Igbinedion; 3rd Left: Project Coordinator Fadama N-Cares, Hon. Ali Ibrahim; 2nd Left: the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Prince Efedhoma; Left; ADP Administration Officer, Mrs. Carol Ojezua, 7th Right; the Commissioner for livestock development, Prof. Omorodion; 5th Right: the Director, Animal Husbandry, Mr Eno Otamere; 4th right: the Director, Veterinary services, Dr. Thomas Haruna; 3rd Right: the Director Of Produce Services, Mr. Nosakhare Onaghama; 2nd Right: Director of Fisheries Services, Mr. Aaron Akhabue; Right: ,Head Tree Crop Programme, Mrs. K.I. Egiebor and other staff and delegates in a group photograph during the visit of the Head of Service to the Ministry of Agriculture in Benin-City.
‎
‎
‎

15/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZkFiaVmZ/

Edo State Government reaffirms commitment to Agricultural development
‎
‎The Edo State Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden has reaffirmed that the State Government is poised towards agricultural revolution and its five point development agenda, tagged, "project SHINE" which is an acronym for Security,
‎Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition-agriculture and Education.
‎
‎He made this disclosure when delivering a speech, at a one day workshop on audit and management of Agricultural land in Edo State, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, held at John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
‎
‎According to him, "the Governor has prioritised agricultural development, the budgetary allocation of 70 billion Naira to the agricultural sector is unprecedented in the history of the State.
‎
‎"The budget is targeted mainly at Agriculture related infrastructural development, procurement of farm machinery, such as tractors with full implement, bulldozers, excavators, as well as massive land development and farm inputs, improved seeds and fertilisers for farmers empowerment. Also, job and wealth creation and all that is geared towards ensuring food and nutrition security.
‎
‎"Land as the bedrock on which agricultural production takes place is a universal growth medium from which crops derive their nutrients".
‎
‎Mr. Ugbodu, emphasized that land is a fixed asset and limited in supply hence the need for it to be put to sustainable use, as it brings to bear the land management practices. He gave the importance of the audit and management of State owned land as crucial for several reasons not limited to planning development and sustainable use for agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, public trust, transparency/accountability and resource optimisation.
‎
‎"Edo is blessed with vast fertile and largely under developed arable land allocated to the Farm Settlement Scheme, which comprises, Iguoriakhi, Ekpo Byma and Sobe farm settlements, and is grossly insufficient to cater for the teeming population of the State". Mr. Ugbodu said.
‎
‎He further explained that the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align with strategies and build a framework for an integrated audit and management system of agricultural land.
‎
‎ On his part, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Osayande stated that the workshop was coming at the most appropriate time to provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align strategies and build a framework for an integrated land audit system, one that would leverage on the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo-GIS, Edo State Forestry Commission and other key MDAs.
‎
‎He urged relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration between the Government, private investors and communities so as to ensure that land use supports inclusive growth and mutual benefits.
‎
‎In his closing remark, Mr. David Ogunbor, appreciated and commended all stakeholders, representatives from the respective MDAs, Community Leaders, farmers, researchers and development partners for their active participation and contribution.
‎
‎"Your commitment and expertise has enriched this dialogue and strengthened our shared vision for a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector". He said.
‎
‎
‎
‎Okojie Francisca
‎Public Relations Officer
‎Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
‎
‎
‎PHOTO CAPTION
‎
‎8th Right(Front Row): the Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden; 8th Left: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande in a group photograph with other Stakeholders during the workshop.
‎

15/10/2025

Edo State Government reaffirms commitment to Agricultural development
‎
‎The Edo State Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden has reaffirmed that the State Government is poised towards agricultural revolution and its five point development agenda, tagged, "project SHINE" which is an acronym for Security,
‎Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition-agriculture and Education.
‎
‎He made this disclosure when delivering a speech, at a one day workshop on audit and management of Agricultural land in Edo State, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, held at John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
‎
‎According to him, "the Governor has prioritised agricultural development, the budgetary allocation of 70 billion Naira to the agricultural sector is unprecedented in the history of the State.
‎
‎"The budget is targeted mainly at Agriculture related infrastructural development, procurement of farm machinery, such as tractors with full implement, bulldozers, excavators, as well as massive land development and farm inputs, improved seeds and fertilisers for farmers empowerment. Also, job and wealth creation and all that is geared towards ensuring food and nutrition security.
‎
‎"Land as the bedrock on which agricultural production takes place is a universal growth medium from which crops derive their nutrients".
‎
‎Mr. Ugbodu, emphasized that land is a fixed asset and limited in supply hence the need for it to be put to sustainable use, as it brings to bear the land management practices. He gave the importance of the audit and management of State owned land as crucial for several reasons not limited to planning development and sustainable use for agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, public trust, transparency/accountability and resource optimisation.
‎
‎"Edo is blessed with vast fertile and largely under developed arable land allocated to the Farm Settlement Scheme, which comprises, Iguoriakhi, Ekpoma and Sobe farm settlements, and is grossly insufficient to cater for the teeming population of the State". Mr. Ugbodu said.
‎
‎He further explained that the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align with strategies and build a framework for an integrated audit and management system of agricultural land.
‎
‎ On his part, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Osayande stated that the workshop was coming at the most appropriate time to provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, align strategies and build a framework for an integrated land audit system, one that would leverage on the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Edo-GIS, Edo State Forestry Commission and other key MDAs.
‎
‎He urged relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration between the Government, private investors and communities so as to ensure that land use supports inclusive growth and mutual benefits.
‎
‎In his closing remark, Mr. David Ogunbor, appreciated and commended all stakeholders, representatives from the respective MDAs, Community Leaders, farmers, researchers and development partners for their active participation and contribution.
‎
‎"Your commitment and expertise has enriched this dialogue and strengthened our shared vision for a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector". He said.
‎
‎
‎
‎Okojie Francisca
‎Public Relations Officer
‎Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
‎
‎
‎PHOTO CAPTION
‎
‎8th Right(Front Row): the Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State on Agriculture, Mr. Ugbodu Golden; 8th Left: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande in a group photograph with other Stakeholders during the workshop.
‎