The Director, Agribusiness Incubation centre, (ABIC), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr Phillips Nto says the declaration by President Bola Tinubu that ensuring food security for the people of Nigeria was not negotiable is an indication that the the Federal Government is determined to address food challenges.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s declaration made during his presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, Dr Nto, praised the president for his consistency in the pursuit of food security.
The University Don further described the revelation that the federal government has activated all processes for the realization of that goal as reassuring and commended the President for the bold step.
He pointed out that with his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu has left no one in doubt about his seriousness in tackling food insecurity and the spiralling consequences on the economy.
Dr Nto, who is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia state, expressed excitement that the federal government has also gone ahead to approve N30b for agricultural based universities to strengthen them in mechanised farming.
The ABIC Director also lauded the Government’s in collaborating with universities in the march to increase food production through research and innovation and technologies.
He made it clear that the setting up by the federal government of Agribusiness Incubation Centres in some universities was a masterstroke that would lead to agricultural revolution in the country.
According to him, by engaging in training farmers in the modern method of agriculture with the available opportunities, the centres will realise Tinubu’s vision of food security.
Dr Nto expressed satisfaction that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND) has bought into the president’s food security agenda by providing support to universities like Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
The ABIC Director further disclosed that MOUAU under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has also keyed into the vision of the president by working closely with TETFUND.
” ABIC, MOUAU on behalf of our progressive VC, appreciates the gesture of TETFUND under Arc Sunny Echono in collaborating with the centre to achieve the mandate of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as it concerns food security “, Dr Nto declared.
