Culture

Ministry Distributes Farm Inputs To Cassava Farmers

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2023

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security collaborating with Agricultural Development Project, ADP, in Edo on Thursday distributed farm inputs to 60 cassava farmers across three senatorial districts in Edo State, South-South, Nigeria.

The inputs distributed include cassava cuttings, NPK fertilizers, and chemicals. Reports said.

The Edo Coordinator of the Ministry, Dr Samuel Owoicho, while flagging off the distribution of the inputs, said the Minister’s effort was geared towards ensuring food security for communities and increasing rural incomes.

Owoicho noted that the gesture was made possible through the collaborative effort between the ministry and the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture through its agricultural development programme (ADP).

“Cassava, as we all know, is an important crop for our region; the inputs would not only contribute to ensuring food security but also provide a source of income and livelihood for many farmers.

“Today, the distribution of cassava is not limited to the simple supply of planting materials, but it is an investment in the well-being and prosperity of our agricultural community.

“We recognize the importance of collaboration, and through partnerships like the one we have with the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and ADP, we can make a significant impact.

“By working together, we strengthen the bonds that bind us to a common goal, which is the growth and sustainability of agriculture in our state,” he said.

The State Coordinator explained that the farmers were selected using systemic random sampling from the database of farmers in the ministry.

He urged the farmers to use the cassava cuttings, fertilizers, and chemicals to make their farm products better.

“Your hard work and dedication are the backbone of our agriculture sector, and with the support of initiatives like these, we can aim for even greater heights.

“Let us remember that today’s event is not only about the cassava we distribute, but also about the positive change and progress it represents,” he added.

A Director in the ministry, Mr Brooks Asebake, said the inputs distribution was one of the several recommendations of a special technical committee established by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to assist about 75,000 farmers in collaboration with State ADPs.

Asebake stated that the programme was designed to empower farmers with inputs in agricultural value chains chosen by the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Programme Manager, Edo ADP, and Dr. Edward Izevbigie thanked the federal government for always finding the state worthy to benefit from all its agricultural interventions and initiatives.

Related Topics:Cassava Farmers Culture Featured Ministry

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Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

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October 23, 2026

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Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.