In continuation of the disbursement of start-up grants by the Edo State Government, 450 agripreneurs in Esan South-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, have received N90,000 each to enhance their productivity.

Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Agriculture and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okojie, who addressed the beneficiaries, in Ubiaja, said the goal of the initiative is to assist farmers with the needed resources to encourage more subsistent farmers to embrace commercial farming.

He said, “This is their seed money expecting them to utilize the resources well which will enable them to improve their productivity and feed their families. Each beneficiary gets N90,000 in the agricultural programme funded by Edo Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Chairman, Esan South-East LGA, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon, expressed appreciation to the state government and the state SDG Office for the grant, urging the farmers to make good use of the support.

He said, “This is the time for harvest. We are grateful for this kind of gesture. I want to thank Governor Godwin Obaseki for attracting good things to the people of Edo State.”

The Focal person, Edo SDGs, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai said the programme will enable the farmers acquire modern techniques in farm cultivation, adding that the programme will empower the farmers to expand their farms.

She noted, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is interested in empowering the people to attain food sufficiency.”

One of the beneficiaries, Ayemere Ese, promised to utilise the resources provided by the government to expand his business and contribute to the state’s development.

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Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon (left); Focal person, Edo Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs Ifueko Alufohai (middle); Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Agriculture and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okojie (right), with beneficiaries of the agricultural programme funded by Edo SDGs, in Ubiaja, Esan South-East LGA of Edo State.