From Moshood Karim
The second day of the farmers’ empowerment programme initiated by Senator Neda Imasuen witnessed the distribution of essential agricultural tools and equipment to over 240 rural farmers across the Edo South Senatorial District. The event, held on Thursday, is part of an ongoing initiative to support farmers in all 77 wards across the seven Local Government Areas within the district.
The empowerment scheme, a collaborative effort between Senator Imasuen and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, is aimed at boosting food production as the rainy season sets in. The beneficiaries received items including insecticides, cutlasses, hoes, rain boots, files, and hand gloves to enhance their productivity on the farm.
Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South in the Nigerian Senate, emphasised the urgent need to support local farmers in the face of rising food inflation across the country. Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, he explained the rationale behind extending the programme to a second day.
“You were here yesterday and you are here today. Oh well, it’s a very important programme for me because it’s a programme that, in my opinion, will empower farmers to do more in what they do in their farms,” he said.
The Senator expressed satisfaction with the turnout and enthusiasm shown by the farmers and encouraged them to make good use of the implements provided to increase their yields.
He added: “It’s my prayer and hope that they will utilise these farming implements, the incentives I’ve given to them, so that they can improve and increase their yields. All for the betterment, not only of their family, but also for the community as well.”
Highlighting the significance of agriculture to national development, Senator Imasuen reiterated his commitment to empowering farmers as a means of ensuring food security.
“A nation that cannot feed itself is a nation in distress. And so if I’m able to help farmers to feed themselves, they also will be able to help feed the nation at large,” he remarked. “Feeding and eating is something that never goes out of fashion. As long as we live and we need food, I will continue to offer my support in this way or in any other better way that I can.”
Senator Imasuen also noted that he has been assessing the impact of his various empowerment programmes. He cited a past shoemaking training programme where a beneficiary had started a successful business within three months of completion. He added that similar success stories have been reported among farmers empowered in previous years.
“They also have been given numbers where, if they have any problems, they can contact some of the speakers who came to give them the lectures. So it’s a work in progress. And I’m happy that it’s progressing well,” he said.
During the event, one of the resource persons, Ireti Odi, delivered a lecture on Agribusiness Management, urging the farmers to view themselves as vital contributors to the national economy. She encouraged them to approach farming as a business and to make the most of the tools and knowledge shared with them.
Mr Lekan Salam also gave a practical session on the effective use of the distributed implements, guiding the farmers on how to maximise their utility on the field.
In his remarks, Iteire Curtis, who represented the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, praised Senator Imasuen for his dedication to grassroots development and promised to deliver a comprehensive report on the programme.
Notably, Chief Arase Samuel, a known critic of the Senator and one of those previously calling for his recall, expressed surprise and admiration at the scale of the empowerment effort. Humbled by what he witnessed, he commended the Senator’s generosity and prayed for divine blessings on him.
Similarly, former Edo State Commissioner for Transportation, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, disclosed that no fewer than 1,500 constituents have been trained and empowered through various initiatives championed by Senator Imasuen. He called on other politicians in the State to emulate the Senator’s exemplary leadership.
Comrade Kelly Ogbelio, Chairman of the Labour Party in Edo State, also used the occasion to pledge his support for the Senator, especially after the recent defection of two key party members. He commended the Senator for his unwavering commitment to the people’s welfare.
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