Edo South farmers trained, equipped as Senator Neda Imasuen drives agric self-sufficiency

In a determined effort to combat food insecurity and revive grassroots agriculture, Senator Neda Imasuen has launched a bold empowerment initiative targeting farmers across Edo South Senatorial District. 

The programme, which featured the distribution of vital farm tools and a comprehensive training session, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji, Enugu State, which facilitated the purchase and supply of implements including cutlasses, hoes, rain boots, sharpening files, and hand gloves.

The senator, who led the exercise in Benin City, explained that the initiative was designed to reduce food prices and foster self-reliance through increased local agricultural productivity.

Speaking during the two-day event, Senator Imasuen underscored the importance of not only equipping farmers with tools but also enhancing their knowledge and capacity to achieve tangible outcomes on their farms. 

“This is about long-term impact,” he said. “It’s not just about giving hoes and boots, it’s about building a culture of productivity and empowering our farmers to be the drivers of food sufficiency in Edo and Nigeria.”

He also issued a caution to the beneficiaries, urging them to guard against selling the implements for short-term gain. 

"Please, don’t treat this as charity. This is an investment in your future and in the wellbeing of our state. If you sell the implements, you sell your opportunity,” he warned.

Farmers from across the senatorial district benefitted from the exercise, receiving practical items such as rain boots, hand gloves, cutlasses, hoes, insecticides, and sharpening files. But the initiative extended beyond mere distribution. It also featured a structured training programme aimed at promoting modern farming methods and entrepreneurial thinking.

Agribusiness expert Iretiolu Odi, one of the key facilitators, challenged the farmers to embrace their role as wealth creators in the agricultural value chain. 

“You are the backbone of this nation,” she declared. “Don’t underestimate the value of what you do. With the right mindset, planning, and financial discipline, you can transform your farms into thriving enterprises.”

Odi applauded Senator Imasuen’s vision, describing his approach as a model for truly impactful political leadership. Her session covered core agribusiness principles, including record keeping, finance management, and sustainable practices to ensure long-term success in farming.

The training also featured a practical component led by chemical application specialist Lekan Salami, who guided the farmers on the safe and effective use of insecticides and herbicides. 

He stressed the importance of proper measurement, dilution, and environmental safety.

“Farming is not just a way of life; it is our survival strategy,” Salami said. “We must do it right, and we must do it well.”

For many of the participants, the intervention could not have come at a better time. Amid rising food prices and economic uncertainty, the empowerment initiative offered hope and practical support for improved food production and family livelihoods.

As Senator Imasuen continues to prioritise agriculture in his legislative agenda, stakeholders say Edo South is fast positioning itself as a potential model for grassroots-driven rural development in Nigeria.