…insists Nigeria must return to agriculture, shift to production

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for the support and collaboration of religious leaders and other stakeholders to wipe out cultism and end the activities of Okaigheles in the State.

Obaseki made the call when he delivered his address at the third session of the twentieth Synod of the Diocese of Benin Anglican Communion, held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The governor noted that the biggest security challenge facing the State now is homicide from cult-related killings and activities of Okaigheles in the State, urging the support of all stakeholders to flush out the criminal gangs in the State

He said, “Our biggest problem in Edo State now is no longer kidnapping. As data from the Security Council meeting says it's now homicides, killing of people as a result of the activities of cultists and community youths. How can you imagine that a young girl who just graduated and went to collect her results was attacked, raped, and killed in Benin City?

“It happened a few days ago. It is only sick minds that can do that. People are possessed, belonging to crazy groups, calling themselves cultists and Okaigheles. These are the sorts of things they do.

“The Church needs to join us to wipe out cultism. We don’t need such groups anymore in the State. That is the biggest threat we face today in Edo State, cultism. Boys wake up and needlessly kill each other in the name of rivalry.”

Obaseki continued: “I want to thank the Bishop for providing leadership in the Diocese of Benin Anglican Communion. I thank the Bishop for his message of hope as I have seen it as governor of Edo State. I accomplished what people thought couldn't be accomplished.

“Things are tough; inflation has overwhelmed us as people can barely eat but it's an irony that Nigeria with its fertile land can’t feed itself. Nigeria, with 200 million people, 20 million children are out of school. We should do our best as God has given us what is needed to make things possible.

“When I took over as governor of Edo State, the future was hopeless for our people who were all traveling out for greener pastures through the desert but today Edo is no longer a place where people are migrating out from but rather people want to come into the State.

“We have no business being hungry in Edo State because our land is fertile and we must return to agriculture and food production. We are doing all to encourage people to go back to the farm as we have lost the culture of agriculture as our young people don’t want to go to farm.

“We have to retrain our people, give them seeds for planting, and let them know that there is money to be made in agriculture as this will enable us to feed ourselves. The problem with Nigeria today is because we import everything we need. We spend millions to import baby formula yearly. For us in Edo, we are training our youths, providing them with seeds, land, and market.”

Delivering the Presidential address for the third session of the twentieth Synod, the President of the Synod who is also the Bishop of Diocese of Benin Anglican Communion, Bishop Rt. Rev’D Peter Imasuen, said the theme of the Synod, "With God all things are possible,” is apt as only God will make all things possible as the nation is passing through several challenges.

He noted, “I want to appreciate the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki for the security measures that he has put in place and has made the State difficult for criminals to operate. It is now safe for citizens and guests.

“I want to thank the governor again in the area of agriculture as he has invested heavily in the area. He has revamped and restructured the College of Agriculture Iguoriaki.”

The Bishop called on the congregation to participate in politics as the governorship election in the State is closer, as their participation will throw out dirty people in politics and replace them with the good and godly ones that will move the State forward.

Other guests at the event include Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the Edo 2024 election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate and Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Digital Economy, Ogbiede Ifaluyi-Isibor, and the Elawure of Usen, His Royal Highness, Oba Oluogbe II, amongst others.