From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State Government is stepping up efforts to attract international investors into its agricultural and livestock sectors as part of plans to strengthen the state’s economy and create more employment opportunities.
The move followed a meeting between Edo State officials and representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Abuja, where discussions focused on possible areas of cooperation, technical support and investment opportunities ahead of the proposed Edo International Agricultural and Livestock Investment Summit in 2027.
The Edo delegation was led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, alongside the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ohimai Ehijimetor. Other members included the Special Adviser on Livestock Development, Roland Igbadumhe, and the Director in the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Lucky Adebudo.
During the engagement, Hitomi Niikura, Head of Economic Cooperation at the Japanese Embassy, indicated Japan’s willingness to explore development partnerships with the state through existing assistance programmes.
These include Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP), which support development initiatives at different levels.
Japanese officials also expressed interest in encouraging companies and private investors from Japan to participate in Edo State’s proposed agricultural and livestock investment summit, expected to hold in the first quarter of 2027.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Uwangue described the discussion as an important development in the state’s efforts to build a stronger agricultural economy.
He explained that the engagement opened opportunities for technical collaboration, financial investment and institutional support across different areas of agricultural production and livestock development.
According to him, the planned summit will provide an opportunity for local businesses and international investors to explore partnerships, exchange expertise and identify viable investment opportunities within Edo State.
Uwangue added that continued access to Japan’s development assistance programmes would complement the state government’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity, expand livestock operations and attract more private-sector participation.
The proposed collaboration is expected to expose Edo’s agricultural sector to modern farming techniques, improved livestock management systems and more efficient methods of processing and distributing farm produce.
With Japan’s experience in agricultural technology and supply-chain development, the Edo government hopes to improve food production, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the state’s capacity to become a major destination for agricultural investment.
The initiative also forms part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which identifies agriculture, economic development and job creation as important areas of focus for the state.
