PeakNews Online
By: Emma Nnadi
The Agribusiness incubation centre of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, ABIC- MOUAU, has flagged off Its Radio enlightenment programme tagged Farmers’ Friday.
Flagging off the interactive programme aired on Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state every Friday at 11.05 am, the Director of Agribusiness centre, Dr Philips Nto described Agribusiness as a modern concept that presents agriculture as a commercial venture, that could be promoted through multifaceted approach.
He noted with concern that Nigeria cannot boast of food security as there is no availability and access to food for the citizenry.
The former Provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, ASCETA, blamed food insecurity in the country on many factors including: the discovery of crude oil, negligence in agriculture, insecurity, subsidy removal, inconsistency in policies, absence of steady power supply and lack of infrastructure
Nto explained that agriculture if given the requisite attention has the capacity to stimulate the nation’s economy, create employment opportunities for youths, pointing out that before the advent of oil, agriculture was the mainstay of the nation’s economy which was used to build the university of Nigeria Nsukka among others.
The former Commissioner for finance in the state maintained that the Agribusiness centre which is the first in any Nigerian University is in place to build the capacity of the youths and women as well as all Farmers in agriculture and to make agriculture a business venture.
According to him “the incubation centre is a hub of practical approach towards reducing food insecurity in the nation, by inculcating the right agricultural skills on the youths and women, making them self reliant on graduation.”
He regretted the high cost of food items, inflation rate in the country, despite the avalanche of opportunities for agricultural production and expressed confidence that the centre will assist in changing the narrative.
Dr Nto reiterated the commitment of the vice chancellor prof Iwe Maduebisi in using the Agribusiness center to guarantee food security in the country in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Senator Bola TInubu-led administration in the country.
