The Edo State Government has announced a major breakthrough in its agricultural development agenda with the unveiling of the largest single mechanisation investment in the state’s history. The disclosure was made in a press release issued on Monday, November 17, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.
According to the statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday commissioned a fleet of modern agricultural machinery at Government House, Benin City, in an event presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was in the state on a working visit alongside several federal lawmakers. The equipment unveiled includes 30 new tractors, five bulldozers, 150 implements and a lowbed truck, all aimed at expanding Edo’s agricultural capacity, boosting productivity and accelerating rural development.
Governor Okpebholo, as quoted in the release, said the acquisition forms a central part of his administration’s agricultural transformation plan designed to open thousands of hectares of new farmlands, attract agribusiness investments, reduce post-harvest losses and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths and women.
“This is a strategic investment that will change the trajectory of Edo’s economy,” the governor said. “We are laying the foundation for food sufficiency, commercial-scale farming and long-term prosperity for our people.”
The governor emphasised that the mechanisation drive marks Edo’s transition from subsistence farming to full-scale mechanised agriculture, positioning the state as a reliable contributor to national food reserves while reducing economic vulnerabilities.
The press release noted that the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; and other senior government officials.
The statement also highlighted the administration’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability. Governor Okpebholo raised concerns over the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project and called for the repatriation of former governor Godwin Obaseki to “answer critical questions” surrounding the project’s execution and funding.
Speaking at the event, Senate President Akpabio assured that the Federal Government would review the state’s submissions and stressed that all subsequent actions would follow due process.
Goodwill messages from Speaker Agbebaku, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Senator Oshiomhole described the mechanisation initiative as a defining moment in Edo’s economic revitalisation. They commended Governor Okpebholo for placing agriculture at the centre of his administration’s development strategy and noted that the investment sets Edo apart as one of Nigeria’s most forward-looking agricultural states.
The press release concluded that the mechanisation drive reflects the administration’s dedication to productivity, transparency and sustainable value creation for the people of Edo State.