By Lanre Shodimu GOV. Monday Okpebholo as parts of his commitment to enhance agricultural growth has signed a bill renaming and restructuring Edo’s agriculture institution to strengthen scientific and technological training across its three campuses.Okpebholo assented to the legislation recently while receiving Speaker Blessing Agbebaku during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin.NAN learnt that the new law changes the institution’s name from Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that the institution operates three campuses, with Iguoriakhi for agricultural technology, Uromi for forestry, and Agenebode specialising in aquaculture.Presenting the bill, Agbebaku said the amendment aligned the institution with global best practices and would improve the quality of education and practical training.He said the revised legislation would equip students with innovative agricultural skills, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development across Edo.Agbebaku said lawmakers reviewed the existing law to reflect the increasing scientific and technological dimensions shaping modern agriculture.“Agriculture has gone scientific. We decided to amend the bill so that we can push agriculture into the system scientifically.“The institution was formerly called the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources but, following your directive, it is now the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology,” he said.Responding, Okpebholo described the signing as the beginning of a new era for the institution and a significant milestone for Edo.According to the Governor, “Today is a new dawn for Edo State College of Agriculture. The amended law will bring significant improvements, and the state will benefit immensely,”He re-emphasized that the legislation would strengthen students’ capacity and support states in meeting growing demands for increased food production and agricultural self-sufficiency.“We want to produce at least 95 per cent of what we consume as a people. We also want agriculture to increase our Internally Generated Revenue,” Okpebholo said.The governor said the new law would create employment opportunities for youths through livestock production, agricultural husbandry and other value-chain activities.He added that the sector would train young people in livestock breeding, animal care and management for the production of meat, milk, fibre and eggs.
