By: Tsibiri
Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, has described Agriculture as the most visible alternative for attaining broad-based economy and reduce over dependence on the oil sector.
Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen, stated this while declaring open a public hearing on 11 bills organised by the House Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions at the National Assembly Complex Abuja.
The Speaker explained that it is within the context of agriculture as a viable alternative that the establishment and expansion of agricultural research institutions across the country is not only necessary but strategically urgent.
“There are a good number of Countries that have attained a significant leap in agro development. These countries that have attained global respect in agricultural transformation are driven by investing substantially in research and development”.
He expressed confidence that passage of the bills in question will invigorate the nation’s agricultural institutions by providing them with a robust legal and operational framework, Strengthening research centres to unlock new insights in crop production and ensuring that innovations reach the grassroots.
Earlier, the committee’s chairman, Mr Isiaq Akinlade, said Nigeria with a population of over 220 million and still growing, the nation it deserves more agricultural colleges and research institutions to help proffer solutions to challenges of insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled laborers, livestock management amongst others.
The committee Chairman maintained that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions will further drive specialization and dedication to agricultural excellence leading to creation of tangible benefits such as jobs opportunities for the teeming youths through various value chain.
He emphasized that, equipping students with modern, science-based agricultural skills in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and environmental stewardship will bring new innovations in conducting research to improve yields, enhance farming systems to meet global standards.
