*COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF STAKEHOLDERS WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EDO STATE GOVERNOR, MR. GODWIN OBASEKI ON CURBING RISING FOOD PRICES IN EDO STATE, HELD AT THE UROKPOTA HALL, BENIN CITY, ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024*

The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in response to the rising cost of living, particularly food prices across the country, held a meeting with relevant stakeholders in the State at the Urokpota Hall, Benin City, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, to find lasting solutions to the food crisis and chart actionable measures to guarantee better livelihoods for the people of the State.

At the forum which had relevant stakeholders, including market associations, traders and farmers’ associations, the Arewa group, among others, Governor Obaseki emphasized the urgency of the situation, reiterating the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenge, in line with his government’s Making Edo Great Again Agenda.

Key decisions and resolutions reached at the meeting include:

-The Ministry of Agriculture and Chairmen of local government councils in the State were mandated to collaborate and make arrangements for land preparation for farmers in the next six weeks before the rains start.

-The governor assured relentless support for only genuine farmers within the State, while urging them to prepare for the planting season

-The Governor directed market associations across the eighteen local government areas to liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture to identify real farmers whom they patronize

-The governor advised cattle rearers to apply for land within Edo State to facilitate the breeding of cattle locally, thereby reducing the expenses associated with transportation from the North. This he said will significantly reduce the cost of meat and other protein in the State

-The government pledged to guarantee adequate security for farmers across the State, and urged the farmers to promptly report any security challenges hindering access to farms in their various communities.

-The government also pledged support for export cluster farmers and their various associations, and ensure adequate funding for their programmes and activities

-The government promised to set up a dedicated office for the export cluster farmers’ associations in the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure prompt response and assistance

-A follow-up meeting was however scheduled for next week with all the manufacturers in Edo State to hear from the manufacturers and explore avenues for collaboration

The elated stakeholders expressed commendation for Governor Obaseki's proactive approach to addressing the food crisis, while acknowledging the severity of the situation and the need for concerted efforts

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government to mitigate the adverse effects of the rising food prices and ensure food security in the State.

*Signed:*
*Chris Osa Nehikhare*
*Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation*