The Agribusiness incubation centre of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, ABIC- MOUAU, has flagged off a radio enlightenment programme tagged Farmers.’ 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 approaches.
He expressed concern that Nigeria could not boast of food security, decrying the current lack of access to food for the citizenry. The former Provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, ASCETA, blamed food insecurity in the country on such factors as discovery of crude oil, negligence in agriculture, insecurity, subsidy removal, inconsistency in policies, absence of steady power supply and lack of infrastructure.
He stressed the capacity of the agricultural sector to stimulate the nation’s economy, create employment opportunities for youths, noting that before the advent of oil, agriculture was the mainstay of the 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 was the first in any Nigerian University would build the capacity of the youths and women as well as all Farmers and to make agriculture a business venture. “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 said.
Nto expressed confidence that the centre will assist in changing the narrative. He reiterated the commitment of the vice chancellor Prof Iwe Maduebisi to leverage the Agribusiness Center to guarantee food security in the country in line with the renewed hope agenda of the Bola Ahmed TInubu administration in the country.
