…to work with farmers, market unions in boosting local food production
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has moved to combat the current hike in food prices in the state, while urging stakeholders to expedite efforts in boosting local production of food crops. Obaseki made this assertion on Tuesday, February 20 2024, during a ‘Stakeholders Meeting on Price Stability for Goods and Services in Edo State’, which held at the Urhokpota Hall, in Benin City.
The Governor who remarked that blame games would not bring solution to the current high cost of living in the country, called for a collective and well-thought-out plan, to provide a viable solution.
According to Obaseki, “The reason I called this meeting is because I have been getting many reports, and we are seeing what is happening in Nigeria; how prices of things are going up, particularly food. Many people cannot feed again because the prices are too high. As a government, we cannot just keep quiet.
“There is no problem without a solution. No matter how hard things are today, there must be a way out, and we must look for that way out. If the help cannot come from outside, let us see what we can do for ourselves.”
The Governor who decried the current economic downturn in the country noted that the issues of concern were yet to be addressed appropriately. “Instead of us coming together to see how we can resolve this issue we are faced with, some people are still politicking with it”, Obaseki added.
Recalling a similar experience in the nation 40 years ago, Obaseki remarked that the nation was able to survive the situation and meander its way out of such dire strait through good leadership and people-centred policies.
“The only problem we have now is that the people in power do not have plans; and because they do not have plans, we will not wait. Let us see how we can plan for ourselves. This is why I called for this meeting to see what we can do”, Obaseki lamented.
Speaking on the measures put in place to address the hike in food prices, the Governor stated that his administration will support farmers to expedite efforts towards increased local production of food crops in the state.
Obaseki said: “Until we start growing the food we will eat, making the things we will use, we will continue to experience hardship. Let us see how the government can work with you before the rainy season; prepare land so that people can go and plant. At least when we have food close by, the problem will be reduced.
“Let us work with the market unions, identify the people planting food for you. We will give them support so that they can have good produce. We must look for a new way to grow and sell food.
“For those going to the north to buy food, I will give you land to farm here, so that the cost of transport will come down. We can do ranching, partner with people who have land, so that we can grow the animals here. For people in the fish business, we can no longer import fish again; we have water, so let us have our fish farm here. I will give you the support you need. By the grace of God, this problem will pass away.”
Speaking during the meeting, the Edo State Market Women Association leader, Madam Blacky Omoregie Ogiamie, commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Edo citizens, particularly in the area of security.
Proffering solution to the challenge of food price hike, she encouraged the Governor to meet with other governors in the country to fashion ways out of the current challenges, as well as liaise with importers of some products to reduce their prices.
In the same vein, the Coordinator of the Edo State Exporters Clusters, Mrs. Rhone Peters, made a case for local production of food items, stressing that the country is in the current menace as a result of over-reliance on foreign goods which has also increased foreign exchange rates.
Also in attendance were: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Commissioner for Public safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Ovia South West Local Government Council Chairman, Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma; amongst others.
