The Edo State Governor , Godwin Obaseki, has approved the allocation of over 40 , 000 hectares of land to six firms for oil palm cultivation .
Obaseki said the step was in furtherance of the government ’s vision to make agriculture the mainstay of the state ’ s economy.
The governor said the gesture was part of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme , which was being implemented in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria to harness the state ’ s rich oil palm heritage , diversify the local economy , create jobs and increase productivity in a sustainable manner.
“ I am pleased to inform you that the Edo Oil Palm Initiative in which we partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria has taken off with the allocation of over 40 , 000 hectares of land for cultivation to six firms, ” he said .
Speaking more on his administration ’ s landmarks in the agriculture sector , the governor said , “ We recorded improvement in the agricultural sector with the incursion of new investors to the state in furtherance of our vision to make agriculture the mainstay of our economy.
“ With the very transparent land management system emplaced with the operations of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS ), a lot more investors are taking advantage of our rich and fertile land to do business , growing investment in commercial farming . ”
