08/06/2026
Edo State Government Remains Committed to Supporting Farmers, Youths and Women
Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to supporting farmers across the State.
He gave the assurance when he played host to members of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND Foundation), in conjunction with Edo Jobs, in his office at the Agriculture Hub, Benin City.
Dr. Uwangue emphasized that the State Government is focused on mechanised farming and encouraging farmers to embrace cluster farming and trenching as measures to curb insecurity and prevent herders from encroaching on farm settlements.
He charged the leadership of the Foundation to ensure that their farmers are properly profiled to enable them benefit from any support coming from the Federal or State Government.
"We are willing and ready to support our youths and women in agriculture," he said. He encouraged them to always visit the Ministry whenever the need arises, noting that experts are available to provide assistance on agricultural matters.
Earlier, the Advocacy Manager, Mr. Chuks Ofulue, gave an overview of the Foundation and thanked the Commissioner for receiving them.
He stated that PIND Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to promoting peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta.
The Foundation supports a portfolio of market-driven, community-based programmes that strengthen livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for local businesses and communities across the region.
He further disclosed that the purpose of their visit was to introduce the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Programme, share progress achieved to date, and secure State support in resolving critical constraints currently limiting the programme's ability to scale and deliver its full social and economic impact for Edo State's young people, particularly women.
Mr. Ofulue said the WISE Programme has already recorded significant results in Edo State, with more than 3,000 young women successfully onboarded as commercial out-grower farmers in pilot clusters across communities including Warrake, Igbanke, Isiako and Auchi.
He appealed for government support in the areas of access to land, security in farming communities, and transportation and mobility for farmers.
The EdoJobs Cluster Coordinator, Mr. Bernard Olusegun Siwoku, thanked the Commissioner for the Ministry's support and appealed for greater synergy between the Ministry and the programme.
5th,left, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Dr Jerry Uwangue in a handshake with the Advocacy Manager PIND Foundation, Mr Chuks Ofulue, flanked by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, 3rd left, Bamaiyi Osedebamen (Mrs), the Assistant Director, Agric Services, Mrs. Otamere Esther, and other members of Edo jobs and PIND Foundation during the Courtesy visit.