Edo Govt, NDLEA, Security Chiefs Forge Alliance to Protect Farmers, Boost Food Security
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju has raised concerns over drug abuse among youths and farmers.
He urged the Edo state government to support genuine farmers through access to microfinance, improved seedlings and other initiatives.
The NDLEA boss registered his dissatisfaction during an engagement with the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, alongside other notable security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the state commanders of the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
The engagement was prompted by the need for collaborative interventions in protecting farmers from the challenges of attacks and kidnappings, to ensure the safety of farmers and optimum food security in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Uwangue reiterated the state government’s commitment to agriculture, citing recent investments in farm equipment, which included the provision of 30 tractors, five bulldozers, 150 farm implements and a low-bed vehicle.
He noted that farmers could only utilize farm equipment when there is security, otherwise, threatened farmers cannot deliver maximum farm produce.
In response, the security agencies pledged full support and assuered the Commissioner of their readiness to provide intelligence and protection for farmers in the state.
