By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong has said that the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State would be a hub for excellence in agricultural research, education and extension services when established research that will empowers our youth and revitalises our agricultural sector.
Sen. Simon Bako Lalong who represents Plateau South in the 10th Senate stated this in his opening remark during the public hearing on Wednesday.
According to him, “the institution would offer a comprehensive training curriculum that encompassed both theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural services.
Lalong who expressed confident on the strategic value of the bill considering the need for food security, said public hearing is part of the legislative process where a bill is subjected to the public opinon especially stakeholders from the host community where the institution’s project will be situated to ascertain weather the community is to accept project sitting as well as willingness to provide required land for the project.
He noted while responding to questions from journalists immediately after the sitting that there was no opposition from all the presentation submitted during the hearing, said the report of the public hearing will be forwarded to senate for onward consideration of the bill.
Earlier, The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio declared opened the one day public hearing.
Declaring the event open, Akpabio said the gathering of the stakeholders at the public hearing is of utmost significance than just the establishment of an institution.
“The significance is that we stand together at an important crossroads in our nation’s journey – a moment that calls us to reconnect with the agricultural roots of our identity and embrace the promise of a brighter, greener tomorrow”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past and lamented the turn of events in agricultural exports, he said “not too long ago, Nigeria was a beacon of agricultural excellence. We proudly held the title of the world’s leading producer of essential crops – palm oil, cocoa, groundnuts – the very lifeblood of our economy.
“Our farmers worked tirelessly, their hands and mind in the soil, nurturing the land that nourished us all.
“Yet, we now find ourselves in a world where countries with less fertile lands have taken the lead in agricultural exports. This saddening reality is a sobering reminder of the great work that lies ahead.
“The establishment of specialised institutions like this is not just a challenge; it is an opportunity; an opportunity to reclaim our legacy as a global agricultural powerhouse.
“It is not merely a dream; it is a necessity for our future. The Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies will be a place of innovation, a sanctuary for knowledge, and a hub for research that empowers our youth and revitalises our agricultural sector.
“It will equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, to innovate, and to drive our economy forward. This is the dream of the Tenth Senate for this institution”.
The Senate President expressed optimism that the proposed University, when established, would inspire a renewed spirit of agriculture in NIgerians.
