BY EBEN ENASCO
As part of measures put in place to address food insecurity in the Oredo Government Area of Edo State, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki on Friday flagged off a groundbreaking “Oredo Farmers Market,” (OFM), reassuring his administration’s commitment to the people.
The intervention program aimed at upscaling the welfare of citizens in the area symbolizes not only the rich agricultural heritage of the community but also the promise of sustainable growth and prosperity.
Addressing the large turnout of stakeholders at the event, the Council Chairman Dr. Tom Obaseki believed that the Oredo Farmers markets which also coincided with the Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security 2024 flag-off, of the Farming Season / Food Fair, serve as a platform for hardworking farmers to showcase their produce, foster community engagement, and promote local economic development.
He was represented by the Secretary to the Council, Dr. Wellington Osadolor at that event.
Dr. Tom Obaseki disclosed that the Intervention Initiative is a testament to their collective commitment to supporting agriculture and securing food for the citizenry in the area.
He admonished stakeholders to embrace the innovation, as the Council will continue to subsidize the farm produce to sustain a vibrant market that will benefit everyone as well as contribute positively to the Oredo community with a view that it will serve as an example for others to emulate.
On his part, the Commissioner for Agricultural And Food Security, Edo State. Hon. Stephen Idehenre, represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe Peter, declared that the government will continue to embrace sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and collaborative efforts that enhance productivity and ensure environmental sustainability.
The Commissioner enjoined citizens to key into the visions of the hard-working governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki on Agricultural policies that have impacted positively on farmers in Edo state, noting, “this year the government embarks on a season that holds promises with potential, driven by innovation and guided by the lessons of the past”.
Idehenre, who described the steps taken by the Oredo Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki said selling food items directly at farm gauge prices to end-users will promote renewed strength in the Agricultural community.
Meanwhile, a director in the Department of Agriculture, and Food Security, Oredo Government Council, Eweka Sandra Osaretin said the Farmers Market is a relief to end-users who will buy things at cheaper rates.
An excited farmer, Osabuohien Otasowie in his testimony thanked Dr. Tom Obaseki for the initiative declaring that it has become easy for him to dispose of his farm produce at a go while encouraging other councils to emulate the fit.
For Mrs. Ikpukhun an end-user, there’s no better way to leverage the opportunity to buy food items, just as she praised the Council for its efforts.
Farmers across the seven local government councils of the Edo South participated in the Oredo Farmers Market with farm produce including, tubers of yams, plantains, water and pumpkin leaves, fruits, tomatoes, coconut, Garri, and a host of other staple foods showcased by various Councils.
In attendance were, Functioning PS, RTD, Ministry of Agric, Sunday Erhunmwunsere; a Director of Vet Services, Dr. Thomas Haruna; Abusomwan Kingsley, Director of Forestry Plantation Edo State Forestry Commission; Eno Otamere, Director of Animal Husbandry Services; Director of Produce Services, Onaghama Nosakhare; HODs from various government councils, supervisory councilors and others.
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