Edo Farmers Get N2bn CBN Loan, Endorse Obaseki

The-President-Etche-Farmers-Cooperative-Union-Mr.-Godwin-Akandu

The Edo State Government have facilitated a N2bn loan deal from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme for farmers in the state.

The CBN initiative is a policy aimed at pursuing job creations, reduction in food imports and diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

It will be recalled that, the farmers had in 2011 got a N1bn grant from the state government to purchase farm implements and develop their farms.

Governor Adams Oshiomole, while speaking during the flag-off of the programme in Benin City on Tuesday, said the private sector involvement is needed to create employment and wealth for people especially those in the rural areas.

“The primary purpose of government is not the recruitment of civil servants, indeed, the civil service which is manned by civil servants is there in order to work and create the environment to support the citizens to do their own businesses and run their lives.

“The most attractive and perhaps the only job in town is working for the government. That has to change, and to change it, we must revisit the economy and put our people back to work, rebuild the rural economy and transfer prosperity to our farmers.

“That is the way to go, and that is what this project is about,” the governor added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the state farmer’s association, Chief Emmanuel Odigie, praised the governor for his support. He added that the farmers is backing the All Progressive Congress candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to succeed Gov Oshiomole in the upcoming polls.

“Today’s ceremony is a very epochal and undeniable proof that your government has given enough recognition to farmers in Edo State with a view to making the diversification of our economy a reality.

“To this end, AFAN promise to support you in all ramifications to vote massively for our choice candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki come 28th September 2016 to guarantee the sustainable development of Edo State.

“We hereby officially endorse our choice candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki,” Chief Odigie said.