By Dansu Peter
The public hearing, which drew stakeholders from various sectors, including education, agriculture, and government, saw widespread support for the bill. Speakers praised the initiative, highlighting the potential of the college to address the nation's agricultural challenges.
The bill's sponsor, Hon. Philip Agbese who represents Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the proposed institution is critical to the country's food production and research.
He noted that this is a significant step towards transforming Nigeria's agricultural sector and unlocking its full potential.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives said: "Benue State is indeed the food basket of the nation but what many don't know is that my federal constituency produces a bulk of that food.
"Most of the research institutes have travelled to Agila, in particular for their fieldwork. With this institution, I believe the Federal Government would sustain what we have been doing for this nation. We will continue to feed the nation and in turn, my people will benefit.
"My constituency remains the least developed in the nation despite all its contributions. Hence, I believe this bill is the most critical for this committee."
The Chairman of the Technical Committee for the institution, Professor Hyacinth Aboh, assured that the community is peaceful and welcoming, blessed with fertile land.
"Agila is well endowed, about 90 per cent of people there are farmers," he added. "They engage in agriculture because the land is very fertile. The location of Agila is in the southern part of Benue State and shares a boundary with Ebonyi State.
"Agila won't have any problem with take off as it already has a very big skill acquisition centre. The people of Agila are very peaceful with vast land".
The Federal College of Agriculture Agila is expected to serve as a hub for agricultural innovation, research, and training. The proposed institution will provide specialised training for farmers, extension workers, and agricultural educators, enhancing the sector's human capacity. This will lead to improved agricultural productivity, sustainability, and innovation, driving economic growth and development in the region.
The college will also contribute to Nigeria's food security, self-sufficiency, and economic diversification. It will enhance the nation's global competitiveness in agriculture, attracting foreign investment and promoting export-led growth.
For Benue State, the college will offer a significant boost to the local economy, creating jobs, stimulating agricultural development, and enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for agricultural excellence. The state will also benefit from the college's research and innovation, addressing specific agricultural challenges facing the region.
The community will profit from the college's outreach programs, which will provide training and support for local farmers, improving their yields and incomes.
The college will also serve as a resource center for agricultural innovation, providing solutions to local agricultural challenges. This will lead to improved livelihoods, reduced poverty, and enhanced well-being for the local population.
The establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Benue State is expected to have a ripple effect on the nation's agricultural sector, driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. The bill's passage into law is eagerly anticipated, paving the way for the college's establishment and the realization of its numerous benefits.
Among dignitaries in attendance were former House of Reps member, Hon. Bernard Ochepa, former executive council chairman of Ado, Hon. Chief Otse Otokpa, Elder Ogba Ogorry, Chief Otse Otokpa, Arch Tony Obekpa, Hon (Mrs) Kate Ojogi, and Prince Onwi Obande among others.
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