Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has signed a bill renaming and restructuring the state’s agriculture institution to strengthen scientific and technological training across its three campuses.
Okpebholo assented to the legislation on Tuesday when he received the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
The new law changes the name of the institution from the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The college operates three campuses, with Iguoriakhi focusing on agricultural technology, Uromi specialising in forestry and Agenebode dedicated to aquaculture.
Presenting the amended bill, Agbebaku said the review was aimed at aligning the institution with global best practices and improving the quality of education and practical training offered to students.
He said the revised legislation would equip students with modern agricultural skills, enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural development in the state.
Agbebaku explained that lawmakers amended the existing law to reflect the growing scientific and technological demands of 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.
Speaking after signing the bill, Governor Okpebholo described the development as a new beginning for the institution and a significant milestone for Edo State.
“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 said.
The governor said the legislation would improve students’ capacity and help the state respond to the increasing demand for 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.
He added that the new framework would create employment opportunities for young people through livestock production, agricultural value chains and other related activities.
According to him, the sector would provide training in livestock breeding, animal care and management, supporting the production of meat, milk, fibre and eggs.
