Edo govt, NDLEA, security chiefs forge alliance to protect farmers, boost food security
By Folashade Olorunfemi
The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse among youths and farmers in the state.
He urged the Edo State Government to support genuine farmers through improved access to microfinance, enhanced seedlings, and other empowerment initiatives.
Ofoyeju made his remarks during a strategic engagement with the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue. The meeting also had in attendance senior representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
The engagement was convened to strengthen collaboration among relevant agencies in tackling the growing threats of attacks and kidnappings targeting farmers, an issue that poses significant risks to food production and overall food security in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Uwangue reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity. He highlighted recent investments in farm machinery, including the deployment of 30 tractors, five bulldozers, 150 farm implements, and a low-bed vehicle.
He, however, noted that such investments can only yield maximum impact when farmers are safe, stressing that insecurity undermines farmers’ ability to operate effectively.
In their separate responses, the security agencies pledged full cooperation and assured the Commissioner of their readiness to provide intelligence, surveillance and operational support to safeguard farmers across Edo State.
