Ize-Iyamu Vows To Revive Rice Production In Ekpoma If Elected Gov

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 19 governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has promised to revive rice production in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Council of Edo State, to boost food production and availability and raise the earnings of farmers.

Ize-Iyamu, who made the promise at a rally on Wednesday, said Ekpoma’s repute as a hub of local rice production in the state was destroyed following poor investment in agriculture and insincerity despite support funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The present administration collected a lot of billions under the Central Bank of Nigeria credit scheme for farmers but could not invest the money wisely.

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“Many farmers in this local government council applied for the loan scheme but they did not benefit from the scheme.

“But my administration, if voted for, would revive the agricultural potentials in this community especially rice production.

“Growing up as a child, Ekpoma rice was a delicacy in almost every household in the state and a major source of income for farmers in Ekpoma.”

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Recall Edo farmers, under the aegis of Edo State Concerned Farmers Association (ESCFA), staged a protest in Abuja last month demanding a probe of the N144 billion loan disbursed to Edo State government by the Central Bank of Nigeria for onward distribution to farmers as loans.

Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu’s campaign also visited Owan West Local Government where the APC candidate assured residents, who gathered in record numbers, of his commitment to fulfill plans in his SIMPLE agenda manifesto to develop the LG and empower the people.

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