July 26, (THEWILL) – Senator representing Cross River North in the National Assembly, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has offered reasons why the state needs a University of Agriculture in Ogoja.
Senator Jarigbe explained that the need to accelerate agricultural growth rate, boost income and transform infrastructures informs the need for a university in the northern Senatorial District of the state.
Jarigbe, spoke recently on the Federal University of Agriculture, Ogoja, Bill, (SB 809) 2022.
In a release in Calabar, Senator Jarigbe
said establishing the institution has become imperative, considering the quantum of agricultural products from five local government areas that make up north zone.
Jarigbe said the institution would provide agricultural education, training, research and development, which could have a direct impact on poverty reduction.
He explained that the university would bring technological expertise to local farmers and subsequently increase farm productivity and food supply.
The cumulative effect of this, he said will create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, as well reduce the cost of food crops due to availability.
“The institution, when established, would help accelerate the agricultural growth rate, enhance the income of farmers, transform educational infrastructures and generate employment opportunities in the sector for constituents.”
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, headed by Senator Bima Enagi, recently had a public hearing for eight bills.
These include the Nigerian Research Institute of Fishing, Aquaculture, Bakassi (Est.) bill (SB 116) and a bill for an act to establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Ogoja (SB 809) 2022.
Ogoja, is an agrarian community and one of Nigeria’s old provinces completely bereft of federal presence, particularly social and educational institutions.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
