Edo moves to engage Libyan returnees in food production

Group urges youths to seek leadership roles in future elections
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has earmarked N150 million as seed fund to engage Libyan returnees in the agricultural value chain of the state.

A statement by the state government quoted the governor, who also provided 100 hectares of farmland for agricultural purpose, as saying the move was aimed at channeling the energy of the youthful returnees towards establishing a viable means of livelihood through agriculture.

He noted that majority of the returnees were from Edo State, adding that agriculture was key to creating jobs for the returnees and ensuring that they are well settled to boost economic diversification of the state.

Obaseki maintained that the proposed 200, 000 jobs to be created in the state would be hinged on the exploitation of the state’s huge agricultural resources.

To achieve this, he said the state has embarked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with relevant stakeholders, including service providers and financial institutions.

He added that one of their partners-Agro Sciences Limited, would be running a 450-hectare maize farm to accelerate the mainstreaming of agriculture in the state’s economy.

Obaseki noted that in effort to ensure investments flow into agriculture in the state was secured, the state government has earmarked N500 million Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) to de-risk investments.

Meanwhile, a group under the platform of Youth Takeover Initiative (YTI), yesterday, urged Nigerian youths to use their numerical strength to bring about political leaders with the interest of the country at heart in the 2019 general elections.

This was contained in a communique signed by it President, Amienye  Omorogie and Secretary, Francis Madugu, at the end of it meeting in Benin City.

The statement said that the youths, which constitute about 70 per cent of the total population, should come together and take over the governance of the country citing their numerical strength to vote and be voted for as an advantage.

It said that they should rededicate themselves to the task of wresting power from old folks, who have continued to show lack of direction, vision and patriotism.