The Deputy Governor of Abia State Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has urged youths to embrace modern agriculture as their education/intellect will bring energy and innovation to the agricultural sector.
He made this known while presenting a speech as a special guest at Clifford University Ihie Campus, Isialangwa on the occasion of the University 5th Agricultural Exhibition with the theme “Agriculture! The Neglected Bride.
He said, “Encouraging youth involvement in modern agriculture will bring energy and innovation to the Agricultural sector”.
He opined that in Abia State, agriculture remains a significant part of our cultural and economic heritage as our fertile lands, favourable climate, and industrial people make us a potential agricultural powerhouse.
In his words “It is good to know that Abia state government ably led by our dear Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR launched a new agricultural support scheme aimed at boosting local food production and supporting farmers in Abia state.
Emetu revealed that the Governor has so far disbursed over 900 million interest-free agricultural loans to 302 Abia farmers trained at the CSS Global Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State.
He also harped on the need to settle boundary issues among States and communities in Nigeria as that will give farmers confidence to go into large-scale farming thereby enhancing food security in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Clifford University, Prof Chimezie A. Omenu declared that Clifford University is a University that is passionate about agriculture and food production, hence its introduction as a 4 credit load course in their outline. This he explained is designed to enable youths who did not have the opportunity to learn about agriculture to be informed.
He expressed appreciation to His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Abia State for honouring them with his presence despite his tight schedule and added that his alliance with them has always brought good luck to the University and that having discovered that he was a lover of agriculture invited him as a special guest to their agriculture exhibition, and to also encourage the students on the need to embrace agriculture.
In her speech, the Director of Agriculture at Clifford University, Dr Mrs Ifeoma Vivian Nwankwo reiterated that agriculture indeed is a neglected bride and that the university in a bid to change that narrative had involved their students in agriculture by making It one of their general courses in the course outline.
She explained that the objective of the agricultural exhibition is to allow the students to showcase what they produce and be encouraged to do more.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of an honorary gift to the Deputy Governor by the VC and the inspection of the University farmhouse by the Deputy Governor.
