Speaker Edo begins yam cultivation, lists widows, less privileged and others as beneficiaries

The Speaker of the Edo State Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday flagged off the 2026 planting season under the “Back to Farm Initiative” led by Governor Okpebholo with a symbolic yam planting exercise on his farmlands along a Sabongidda-Ora/Ugbubezi long road, signaling a renewed commitment to food security and community support.

Speaking at the farm on Thursday, Rt Hon Agbebaku said the initiative goes beyond personal farming but aims to “set an example” in line with the state government’s drive to encourage youths and political leaders to return to farming as a sustainable route out of hunger and unemployment.

“This is not politics. This is survival. If we are to fight food inflation and create jobs, then all of us, especially those in leadership, must put our hands in the soil,” Agbebaku told community members, local farmers and journalists gathered at the farm.

The President revealed that the farm has been planted with improved yam seedlings this season, with the aim of harvesting several hundred tubers by the end of the year.

In line with the community focus of the initiative, he announced that widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable families across Owan West will be the main beneficiaries of the harvest.

“At harvest time, not a single tuber from this farm will be sold. Everything will go directly to widows, the less privileged and families who cannot afford food in this difficult economy. This is our pact with the people,” he said.

While community leaders hailed the move as timely, agricultural experts at the event noted that visible participation from political office holders could help reverse youth apathy towards agriculture.