Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for enhanced support for agricultural colleges and institutions as a strategic measure to combat food insecurity and unlock the full potential of Nigeria's agricultural sector. He made this appeal on Wednesday during the maiden National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Moniya, Ibadan.
Call for Collaboration and Innovation
Represented by Deputy Senate Majority Leader Oyetola Ashiru, Akpabio identified collaboration, innovation, and strong political will as critical factors necessary to overcome the challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships among key stakeholders in the sector, noting that Nigeria must adopt modern agricultural practices comparable to those in developed nations.
Commitment to Agricultural Development
The Senate President reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly and the executive arm of government to policies and programs aimed at strengthening agricultural colleges and institutions to achieve sustainable food security. He also encouraged Nigerian youths to seize opportunities within the agricultural value chain for wealth creation and economic empowerment, emphasizing that agriculture remains a viable sector for addressing unemployment and driving economic growth when properly harnessed.
Summit Highlights
In his welcome address, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, described the summit as timely given the growing concerns over food insecurity and the need for skilled manpower in the sector. Alli stressed that agricultural colleges must be adequately strengthened to produce competent professionals, encourage research innovations, and develop practical solutions capable of transforming the nation's agricultural landscape. He added that investment in agricultural education and research is essential for achieving national food sufficiency and sustainable development.
