By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday reviewed the backward position of Nigeria in the agriculture sector and lamented that countries with lesser fertile lands were leading the country in food production
He noted with concerns that despite the efforts of Nigerian leaders in the First and Second Republic, the country is still struggling to feed its teeming population.
Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday when he declared open a public hearing on the proposed law for establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.
He said, “We now find ourselves in a world where countries with less fertile lands have taken the lead in agricultural exports. This saddening reality is a sobering reminder of the great work ahead.
The one-day Public Hearing was organized by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong.
Akpabio said gathering the stakeholders at the public hearing had much more significance than just establishing an institution.
He said, “The significance is that we stand together at an important crossroads in our nation’s journey, a moment that calls us to reconnect with the agricultural roots of our identity and embrace the promise of a brighter, greener tomorrow.”
Akpabio seized the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s past and lamented the turn of events in agricultural exports.
He said, “Not too long ago, Nigeria was a beacon of agricultural excellence. We proudly held the title of the world’s leading producer of essential crops—palm oil, cocoa, and groundnuts—the very lifeblood of our economy.
“Our farmers worked tirelessly, their hands and minds in the soil, nurturing the land that nourished us all. Yet, we now find ourselves in a world where countries with less fertile lands have taken the lead in agricultural exports. This saddening reality is a sobering reminder of the great work ahead.
“Establishing specialised institutions like this is not just a challenge; it is an opportunity to reclaim our legacy as a global agricultural powerhouse. It is not merely a dream but a necessity for our future. The Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies will be a place of innovation, a sanctuary for knowledge, and a hub for research that empowers our youth and revitalises our agricultural sector.
“It will equip the next generation with the tools to succeed, innovate, and drive our economy forward. This is the dream of the Tenth Senate for this institution.”
The Senate President prayed that the proposed University, when established, would inspire a renewed spirit of agriculture in Nigeria.
He said, “Let it lead the way for Nigerians to cultivate a future where our lands flourish once more, our farmers thrive, and we proudly reclaim our enviable position in the global agricultural landscape.
“Let it encourage our youth to see agriculture not just as a means of survival but as a pathway to innovation, prosperity, and national pride. I call upon all stakeholders to engage in this vital process and bring forth insightful deliberations and dialogues.
“Let us establish an institution that will be the architect of a new agricultural era—and initiate a movement that respects our past while boldly shaping our future.”
Lalong said the University would serve as a hub for excellence in agricultural research, education, and extension services.
He said the institution would offer a comprehensive training curriculum encompassing theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural services.
