The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMA&RD) on Tuesday inaugurated a 2,000-tonne capacity warehouse and a solar-powered borehole in two Edo communities.
The inauguration was carried out as part of its rural development projects.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the benefiting communities are Uhonmora-Ora in Owan West and Irrua in Esan Central Local Government area.
Inaugurating the borehole at Uhonmora-Ora, Mr Wellington Omoragbon, the Director of Agriculture, FMA&RD in Edo, said that the effort was to ensure that rural dwellers had access to basic amenities
“We are here to inaugurate and hand over this borehole project to you. Please ensure that you continue to maintain the borehole,’’ Omoragbon told people of the benefitting community.
Reacting on behalf of the community, Mr Felix Idika commended the ministry for the project and said that the water project came at a time the community was in dire need of it.
At Irrua, Omoragbon said that the warehouse built inside the Silo complex in the community was to complement the facility for food storage.
“Early last year, we constructed this 2,000 metric tonnes capacity warehouse that we have come to inaugurate today.
“We invited elders here for them to know what we have done for them. This warehouse is for Irrua community where it is located.
“I want to also let you know that the ministry is into provision of rural infrastructure like streetlights and rehabilitation of rural roads to ease evacuation of farm produce.
“We also give out agro-processing small scale equipment for palm oil and cassava,’’ Omoragbon said.
He expressed delight that the Irrua silo had been functional without challenges such as complaint of land encroachment that had been received in some communities where similar facilities were located.
The Odionwere of Idunebo community in Irrua, Pa Charles Okoobo applauded the ministry for the kind gesture.
“I remember I sent a letter sometimes ago to the minister. This is a follow up of that letter and we have been invited to commission a warehouse that the ministry has built.
“We hope for better relations and I am hopeful that the ministry will provide streetlights, and reconstruct our rural as mentioned in the letter.
“We know that by virtue of us being the host community, these basic amenities should come to us,’’ Okooba said. (NAN)
