Edo hails Buhari’s self-sufficiency initiative

Edo state government at the weekend commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s self-sufficiency initiative on local production and consumption of goods.
The state government’s commendation arose from the recent federal government’s pronouncement on the ban of importation of rice and clothing materials as part of its efforts to encourage self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and small and medium scale businesses.
Edo state deputy governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, made the commendation at the Women Empowerment Programme organized by the member representing Akoko Edo Constituency II in the state House of Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje, in Igarra.
Shaibu, who at the occasion, reiterated that the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, would never renege on his electioneering promises, disclosed that plans had been concluded to commence the process of registration of youths for employment.
He said, “Edo state government, under the leadership of my boss, the governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has decided in line with our electioneering promises, before election, that we would create about 200, 000 jobs.
Shaibu commended Hon. Agbaje for his initiative, saying that “what the Honourable has done today indicates that he has given you a hook to fish.
“When you fish, you will sell the fish and make money, and when you make money, you won’t have to beg anyone for money.”
Addressing the beneficiaries, the deputy governor said, “the Honourable has given you money to trade because he wants life to be better for you.
“This is a seed which can only grow if you plant it. This money is not meant for you to buy rice for Christmas. They said you should use the money to do business. If you use the money to do business as a seed, the seed will grow.
“So, I plead with you to sow this seed into your business so that it will grow, and by the grace of God it will grow.
Speaking earlier, Hon Agbaje said his gesture was in fulfillment of his electioneering promises to women of his constituent.
He said, “I have come up with this initiative in line with my campaign promises to create an opportunity for our women to be able to grow their small businesses which will provide support for the family as well as create wealth if diligently managed.