Gov. Monday Okpebholo has signed a bill renaming and restructuring Edo State’s agriculture institution to strengthen scientific and technological training across its three campuses.
The governor assented to the legislation on Tuesday while receiving Speaker Blessing Agbebaku during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
The new law renames the institution from Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The institution operates three campuses: Iguoriakhi for agricultural technology, Uromi for forestry, and Agenebode specialising in aquaculture.
Presenting the bill, Speaker Agbebaku said the amendment aligns the institution with global best practices and will improve the quality of education and practical training.
He noted that the revised legislation would equip students with innovative agricultural skills, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development in Edo.
Agbebaku explained that lawmakers reviewed the existing law to reflect the increasing scientific and technological dimensions shaping modern agriculture.
“Agriculture has gone scientific. We decided to amend the bill so that we can push agriculture into the system scientifically,” he said.
“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.”
Responding, Gov. Okpebholo described the signing as the beginning of a new era 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,” the governor said.
He added that the legislation would strengthen students’ capacity and support the state in meeting growing demands for increased 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.
The governor stated that the new law would create employment opportunities for youths through livestock production, agricultural husbandry, and other value-chain activities.
He added that the sector would train young people in livestock breeding, animal care and management for the production of meat, milk, fibre, and eggs.
