Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe has disclosed that the establishment of Agribusiness Incubation Centre will boost agricultural production, enhance food security and create jobs opportunities for people
Just as he reiterated that it will serve as a practical and innovative approach to support and promote growth of Agribusiness, trade and investment not only in Kogi state but, in Nigeria at large.
Umakhihe stated this while speaking at the commissioning of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre and an access road at Federal University, Lokoja main campus, Felele in Kogi State.
He explained that commissioning of the Agribusiness Centre marked another stride in our goal of economic diversification through accelerated development of the agricultural sector for food security, income generation, job creation and poverty reduction by our farmers.
“I am therefore hopeful that the University will explore this opportunity and make the best use of the centre and prove its support as a formidable institution in the concerted efforts of the government to grow the nation’s economy using the agricultural sector.
“I will seek for your indulgence to embark on advocacy, awareness promotion and sensitization of youth, women and other beneficiaries across the university catchment area and even beyond to take advantage of this project, “he stressed.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary of FMARD, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe for the establishment of Agribusiness Incubation Centre and construct of the access road.
Akinwunmi assured that the University management will make the judicious use of the Agribusiness Incubation centre to meet the aims and objectives of the project to cater for food security , poverty reduction and jobs creation for women , youths and to promote agriculture value chains.
