By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY—THE management of Benin-0wena River Basin Development Authority (BORDA) has called on Edo State government to invest in bee farming which it said has great economic development potentials.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left) inspecting facilities at the Weppa Farm run by Leventis Foundation; he is flanked by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele (2nd right); Chairman, Leventis Foundation, Alhaji Ahmed Martey (right); and Chief Executive Officer, Weppa Farm, Kayode Simeon (left), during the foundation laying/groundbreaking ceremony of Agricultural Management Training Institute, in Weppawanno, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government, Edo State.

Managing Director of the body, Saliu Ahmed stated this in Benin City, Edo State during the opening session of a four day empowerment and capacity building for 30 participants of bee farming selected from the senatorial districts of the state.

He said the programme is the “first time in the state. The programme will involve both theory and practical field work and participants will be given starter packs like bee keeper’s protective wear, a pair of boots, a pair of gloves, a smoker, two bee hives, hive tools and baiting materials.”

“Our integrated farm in 0bayantor, in Benin city, which integrates crops production, acquaculture, piggery and processing of farm produce is a vehicle through which we plan to train, as many youths as are interested in the practice of organic farming. The farm is a thriving concern and the harvesting and sales of vegetables grown entirely organically have been on for the last three months.”

Delivering his keynote speech, the National President Federation of Bee-Keepers Association of Nigeria, FEBKAN, Dr. Bidemi Ojeleye, said 85 percent of food processing products is derived from bee materials. He said the essence of the trainingg is to provide jobs for the unemployed youth in the state.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture,  Bashir. S. Kadiri said the idea of the training is to create jobs for unemployed youths.

He said “our problem is blaming the leaders always” and added that youth should take problems of their life serious.”

Also speaking commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Edo state, Barrister Emmanuel Uso, said, Edo state whih had 4.5 population is located at a strategic place, blessed withnatural resources for creating wealth. Barrister Uso’s the state has capacity to produces wealth for the nation because it provides more routes that lead to other states for economy advancement.