Let us meet Okpebholo in the bush, by John Mayaki

You are not likely to find Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State in the grandeur of government house or the polished halls of power on Osadebey Avenue. No, if you are looking for him, you might want to head into the bush because, that is where he says he has been, at least, twice. And that is exactly where I want to meet him – farmers meeting their farmer-governor in the bush.

Unlike those who lead from the comfort of air-conditioned offices, governor Okpebholo has physically visited farmlands to assess conditions on a firsthand basis. He has also engaged with farmers in Ovia and other agricultural communities, where he assured them of his commitment to policies that will feed the state and beyond.

And so, with a boots-on-the-ground approach, Okpebholo’s 2025 agriculture budget stands at N70 billion. This is a departure from the past spending priorities. And this is not just a figure on paper, it shows the political will and commitment to action of the governor.

In this farming revolution by the governor, this funding will not only drive mechanized farming, infrastructure, and direct support for local farmer like you and me, it will crash food prices. Okpebholo’s administration has been distributing interest-free loans to farmers and traders, so that they can have the resources to cultivate, expand, and strengthen the agricultural value chain. And this is commendable.

Incidentally, police’s alone won’t till the land, plant the crops, or harvest the yields. We need hands in the soil and boots on the ground. That is why we, as citizens, entrepreneurs, agriprenuers and agribusiness men, and community leaders, must heed the governor’s call and take ownership of our food production and meet him in the farm.

But, even as we step into this new era of farming under Governor Okpebholo, let us pray that climate change would be fair to us and that may our lands be fertile and our farmers strong.

Let us pray that may our leaders be wise, and may the rains be abundant and steady. May we have the foresight to invest in irrigation and ensure food security for year round. May our harvest be plentiful, and may food be affordable for every Edo citizen. And that may governor Okpebholo’s vision for agriculture bring prosperity, jobs, and relief from hunger and high prices

Let us join Governor Okpebholo in the bush – this is not just to watch, but to work, to build, and to harvest a better tomorrow. If we succeed in this mission, we will not only feed Edo State but also banish poverty. If only we meet Okpebholo in the farm.