Farmers in Edo State are beneficiaries of a N2billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guaranteed by the state government in the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. It is one of the CBN’s policy initiatives to pursue the creation of jobs, reduction in food imports and diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking during the flag-off of the programme in Benin City, Governor Oshiomhole said the private sector involvement is needed to create employment and wealth for people especially those in the rural areas.
“The primary purpose of government is not the recruitment of civil servants, indeed, the civil service which is manned by civil servants is there in order to work and create the environment to support the citizens to do their own businesses and run their lives.
The most attractive and perhaps the only job in town is working for the government. That has to change, and to change it, we must revisit the economy and put our people back to work, rebuild the rural economy and transfer prosperity to our farmers. That is the way to go, and that is what this project is about,” the governor said.
The chairman of the Association, Chief Emmanuel Odigie said: “today’s ceremony is a very epochal and undeniable proof that your government has given enough recognition to farmers in Edo State with a view to making the diversification of our economy a reality.”
“To this end, AFAN promise to support you in all ramifications to vote massively for our choice candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki come 28th September 2016 to guarantee the sustainable development of Edo State. We hereby officially endorse our choice candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obaseki, promised to support the farmers if elected as the next governor of the state.
