Okpebholo Unveils Massive Agricultural Mechanisation Drive

***Renews Call for Obaseki’s Repatriation

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Monday rolled out what is being hailed as the biggest agricultural mechanisation investment in its history.
This is coming following his resolve to reposition the state as a powerhouse in commercial agriculture and food security.
His chief press secretary, Fred Itua in a statement indicated that the landmark commissioning ceremony at Government House, Benin City, was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who visited the state with a delegation of federal lawmakers.
According to the statement the governor unveiled 30 tractors, five bulldozers, 150 farm implements, and a lowbed truck—a machinery fleet expected to significantly expand the state’s farming capacity, open vast new farmlands, improve productivity, and boost rural development.
Governor Okpebholo described the investment as a critical pillar of his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“This is a strategic investment that will redirect Edo’s economic future. We are laying the groundwork for food sufficiency, commercial-scale farming, and sustainable prosperity for our people,” he said.
He added that the shift from subsistence agriculture to full mechanisation will position Edo as a reliable contributor to national food reserves while strengthening the state’s economic resilience.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and other key state and federal officials.
But the ceremony also took a more politically charged turn as Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, calling for the repatriation of former governor Godwin Obaseki to answer questions surrounding the controversial Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project.
Senate President Akpabio assured that the Federal Government would carefully assess Edo State’s submissions and ensure that all procedures follow due process.
Goodwill messages from major political figures—including Speaker Agbebaku, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and Senator Oshiomhole—praised the mechanisation drive as a defining moment for Edo’s economic rebirth. They described Okpebholo’s approach as one that places productivity, transparency, and sustainable development at the centre of governance.
With this investment, Edo State further cements its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most forward-looking agricultural states.