Farmers in Edo State have expressed renewed confidence in returning to their farmlands following improved security across the state, after years of abandoning agricultural activities due to kidnapping and other security challenges.
The farmers attributed the development to security measures introduced by Governor Monday Okpebholo, saying the improved situation had encouraged them to resume farming and would contribute to increased food production and food security.
President of the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria (IFAN) and Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Bako Dogwo, disclosed this during the installation of the Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, as Patron of Edo farmers.
The installation ceremony brought together members of IFAN, AFAN and the State Federated FADAMA Farmers, who gathered to recognize Tenebe’s relationship with the agricultural community and seek greater support for farmers across the state.
Speaking at the event, Dogwo commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as the administration’s efforts to improve security, noting that the measures had helped restore farmers’ confidence to access their farmlands.
He said many farmers who previously stayed away from their farms because of the threat of kidnapping and other security concerns were now able to resume their agricultural activities.
“Farmers who could not go to their farms before are now happy because they can access their farms and continue their farming activities,” Dogwo said.
He added that sustained improvements in security would enable farmers to expand their operations, increase agricultural output and contribute to the state’s food security objectives.
Also speaking, Hon. Prince Henry Ebole, who represented the State Federated FADAMA Farmers, praised the governor’s SHINE agenda and pledged the association’s support for the administration.
Ebole described farmers as critical contributors to food supply and employment generation, particularly for young people, stressing the need to strengthen farmers’ associations and expand their membership across the state.
He disclosed that the association currently had about 2,000 registered members under the Federated Farmers Community Association, based on records from the old FADAMA register.
“As of today, our records show that registered FADAMA farmers under the Federated Farmers Community Association are about 2,000 members,” he said.
He explained that the association planned to embark on a ward-to-ward registration and sensitization exercise to identify more farmers, increase its membership and encourage greater participation in agricultural activities.
Ebole further stated that the farmers’ group would mobilize its members to support the APC, describing farmers as an important constituency in Edo State.
Responding to the honour, Tenebe expressed appreciation to the farmers for installing him as their patron and assured them of his commitment to supporting their activities.
He said his personal experience as a farmer, alongside that of Governor Okpebholo, gave them an understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural sector and the importance of creating an enabling environment for farmers.
“I am a farmer, the governor is a farmer as well, and he remembers where he is coming from,” Tenebe said.
He maintained that the administration’s focus on security was intended to create conditions that would allow farmers to return to their farmlands and carry out their activities without fear.
Tenebe also emphasized the connection between security and agricultural productivity, noting that farmers needed safe access to their farms to sustain production and contribute meaningfully to the state’s food supply.
The farmers’ renewed return to their farmlands comes after years of disruption caused by insecurity, which had affected agricultural activities and the livelihoods of farming communities.
With the farmers’ associations pledging to expand their membership and mobilize more agricultural workers, the development is expected to place renewed attention on farming, rural livelihoods and food production in Edo State.
