The Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is set to collaborate with the Environment and Man Improvement Foundation (EMIF) on the establishment of an orchard at the State Government House in Benin City.
The initiative was part of engagements during a technical session at the Agric Hub in Benin City, where the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, was represented by the Director of Produce Services, Mr. Onaghama Nosakhare.
Dr. Uwangue commended EMIF and assured it that the Ministry would review the proposals and ensure that the project is brought to fruition.
Earlier, Prof. Omokhua Godwin, who led the Foundation’s delegation to the Ministry, said the proposed orchard is aimed at promoting greenery, carbon sequestration, micro-climate control, and providing a steady supply of nutrient-rich fruits from both fruit and forest trees within designated areas in the Government House.
According to Prof. Omokhua, the project aligned with global best practices in environmental sustainability and food security, which also aligned with the SHINE agenda of the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okhebholo. At the end of the engagement, recommendations were drawn up for consideration and possible implementation by the State Government.
Present at the engagement were the Director of Tree Crop Programmes, Mrs. Egiebor Khadijat; and staff from the Tree CROP Programmes, the Director of Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Harry Osagiede Osayomwabor; Mr. Daniel Omobude and Mr. Omokhua Junior, of the Foundation, among others.
