There are modalities in place to boost food security in Edo State. This was divulged by in a statement on Saturday by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

He made the assertion while inspecting the Uwesan Farm Settlement in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that he also inspected the 2.3km Illeh, Akho, Irrua road with side drains to channel water out of the area.

During the inspections, Gov Okpebholo expressed satisfaction at the quality of work done and explained that the road will be connecting two local governments – Esan Central and Esan West.

ALSO READ: Davido Diversifies Into Nollywood

According to Gov Okpebholo, he will continue to inspect the work and ensure that the contractors keep up with the specified quality while also collaborating with the Ministry of Works to attain the desired results.

At Uwesan Farm Settlement, Gov Okpebholo expressed gratitude investors who traveled with him to inspect the farm, pointing out that the state was ready to improve agricultural activities and boost food security and sufficiency.

“I want to thank our investors who came here with us to inspect the Uwesan Farm Settlement. We have prepared this for farming. We have farm settlements like this in Edo South, Edo Central, and another in Edo North, which will boost food security in the State.

“Anytime from next week, planting will commence. This is a milestone achievement. The land is very fertile. We are very serious about farming in order to ensure our people have enough food to eat.

“We have 400 hectares of land here, and we will plant corn and cassava. Food sufficiency is our focus, and we will do everything to ensure we succeed.

“I am happy that our investors are here with us to see the farm settlement themselves. This is their first visit and by the time they will be coming again, they will come with their technical partners,” he stated.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Peter Osagie, said the Uwesan Farm Settlement is a communal land and the people are ready to cooperate with the Government to boost food security in the state.

“This is Uwesan, and we are collaborating with the people of this area because it is a communal land of over 400 hectares. We have a guarantee from the community to expand further.

“In the first instance, this place will be used for cassava farming because it has multiple uses both as animal and human feeds. Right now, the animal feed industry is experiencing a shortage of maize supply, and the State wants to bridge that gap.

“Closely related to that is cassava cultivation for obvious reasons as well because it is one of the most stable carbohydrates for a developing world.

“In Edo State, we have two ethanol plants that use cassava as a stock. Right now, cassava farmers are automatic millionaires because off-take is guaranteed.

“Apart from the people here, we have continued to talk to our friends who are interested in off-take in cassava in Edo State. Soon, we will have 400 hectares of land for cassava,” he stated.

A building located on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State collapsed on Saturday morning, leaving several people feared dead.

The incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m., causing panic among residents of the area.

The building, which reportedly housed a local restaurant, crumbled suddenly, trapping an unknown number of people beneath the debris.

READ ALSO: Police Rescue Six Children In Lagos Building

Emergency responders and local volunteers have since launched rescue operations in a desperate attempt to save those still trapped.

As of the time of this report, the exact number of casualties had yet to be confirmed.

Details later………… 

In the bid to deter kidnappers in Edo State, those found guilty of the offence would henceforth face the death penalty, specifically by hanging.

This was contained in a statement on Friday in Benin City by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua.

Expressing readiness to sign the death warrants of convicts, at the stakeholders’ session at the Uromi Town Hall, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, revealed that the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) had passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013).

It was gathered that the bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers, mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.

ALSO READ: ADF’s N16bn National Food Programme Berths In FCT, Kogi

Gov Okpebholo informed leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land that his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore, vowing to deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the state.

“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in Edo State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands.

“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it,” he declared.

Gov Okpebholo called on all to collaborate with his administration to secure the state, “saying security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.

“The kind of security we want to have in the State is one where security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries and stop people from just putting on their uniforms.

“These people will work with security agencies and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start to address the problems facing our people in the market, and everywhere.

“It is time to start profiling people from other States who claim to be from the North and ensure they don’t spoil your name. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State.”

According to Gov Okpebholo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loves the North and has been very supportive to ensure that the Uromi killing didn’t lead to more destructions.

“Those destroying the land, causing problems are not even from Nigeria. They are foreigners but the president has vowed to bring peace to Nigeria,” he maintained.

Alh Bawa Umar, Chairman of Arewa in Edo Central, thanked the Governor and the Onojie of Uromi for the peace that has been restored.

He noted that the Governor is doing well in terms of security in the State and the Arewa community will support his administration to ensure it succeeds.

Chairman of Uromi Cattle Market, Alh Isah Muhammad, thanked the Governor for the way he handled the Uromi incident which he said helped to bring down the tension in the area.

On his part, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), said, “I appeal to the Arewa community to ensure they have a database for all their members to be able to account for all their members. I urge the leaders to advise their members and monitor their activities to ensure they are not criminal activities.”