Agriculture, Manpower Crucial For Nigeria’s Transformation – Minister
The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has said that the country needs quality manpower for the transformation of the agriculture sector in the country.
Ogbeh stated this in Akure, the Ondo state capital, during the 60th celebration lecture and commissioning of projects of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) .
The Minister, who was represented by the South West Regional Director, Mr Joseph Ogunwale, commended the management and staff of the College for producing quality manpower for the transformation of the sector in the country.
Ogbeh noted that the College has grown in leaps and bounds since its establishment 60 years ago to be an exemplary leader in innovation and commitment to excellence in agricultural training and entrepreneurship.
“I commend the giant strides of the College in other areas, especially in infrastructural development, expansion of courses, and development of institutional collaboration and partnerships with reputable national and international institutions, for the enhancement of knowledge and learning, particularly under the leadership of its current provost, Dr. Samson Odedina.
“It is a thing of profound joy that the College has grown in leaps and bounds since its establishment 60 years ago to be an exemplary leader in innovation and commitment to excellence in agricultural training and entrepreneurship.”
Ogbeh reiterated the commitment of the federal government to support the institution in achieving its mandate of producing quality manpower for the transformation of the agriculture sector in the country.
He lauded the effort of the Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for saving the federal government and the state from the embarrassment of land agitators regarding the willful destruction of government property and agricultural assets in the College.
Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, described agriculture as a veritable tool of employment for the youths.
Akeredolu commended the Federal College of Agriculture for its giant role in rescuing unemployed youths from unemployment and giving them hope for a better life.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Femi Agagu, assured that the government would continue to support the institution to achieve more strides.
He said that the college has been contributing to the advancement of Agriculture and agro businesses in the state and beyond.
While describing Diamond jubilee celebration as a significant one in the life of any institution worthy of celebration, Akeredolu said that the ceremony is an accomplished one as projects that impact youths have been commissioned.
Earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr. Samson Odedina, said that the institution is committed to academic excellence in the entire agricultural value chain which will attract young people who according to him, will become practitioners of profitable agribusinesses that will further provide employment for others.
