The Edo State House of Assembly has repealed the law establishing the state’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, replacing it with new legislation aimed at expanding the institution’s academic focus.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers approved the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Bill 2026, paving the way for the institution to incorporate science and technology programmes alongside its existing agricultural mandate.
The bill, sponsored by Kayce Osawonye, representing Uhunmwonde Constituency, was examined clause by clause in the Committee of the Whole before receiving the House’s approval.
Following its passage, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku directed the Clerk of the House to forward the legislation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent.
The Assembly also received a request from the governor seeking the screening and confirmation of Martin Anayor as a commissioner-designate and member of the Edo State Executive Council.
Agbebaku referred the nomination to the House Committee on Rules and Business for consideration ahead of the confirmation process.
Lawmakers also considered, for a second time, a bill seeking to amend the law extending the retirement age of magistrates and presidents of customary courts in the state. Deliberations on the proposal were, however, postponed until a later legislative sitting.
Meanwhile, a separate bill sponsored by Majority Leader Jonathan Ibhamawu, proposing the establishment of a revenue harmonisation account to oversee the collection, management and accounting of the state’s internally generated revenue and other public funds, completed its first reading. The legislation is expected to return to the House for a second reading at a later date.
