The bill to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State has received broad acceptance among National Assembly members and other stakeholders.
Sponsored by Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, the bill gained support during a public hearing at the National Assembly on Friday.
The public hearing attracted stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture and education.
Agbese emphasized the importance of the proposed institution for the country’s food production and research, particularly in light of the current food crisis.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives highlighted that the bill represents a crucial step towards transforming and maximizing the potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Benue State is indeed the food basket of the nation, but many do not know that my federal constituency produces a significant portion of that food,” Agbese stated. “Most of the research institutes in the country have conducted fieldwork in Agila. With this institution, the Federal Government can sustain our efforts. We will continue to feed the nation, and my people will benefit.”
Professor Hyacinth Aboh, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the institution, noted that the bill is timely, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the Agila community.
He pointed out that about 90 percent of the community’s residents are farmers, benefiting from the area’s fertile land.
Stakeholders at the public hearing believe that establishing the Federal College of Agriculture in Benue State will drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in the nation’s agricultural sector.
