The bill for an Act to to establish Federal College of Agricultural Technology Opiaku-Ojapo , Benue state, which was read for the first time on floor of the Senate on Wednesday 26th January 2022, scaled second reading on Tuesday.
The bill sponsored by distinguished Senator Abba Moro representing Benue South at the National Assembly seeks to usher in a new approach to agricultural revolution and the overall value -chain in Nigeria..
According to senator Abba Moro, ” this Bill is a valorous stride towards not only addressing the educational needs of the people of State and by extension Nigerians , but it will also serve as training ground for farm and f of Nigeria through training of qualitative manpower by adequate exposure to sound theoretical background, practical farm and field demonstration as well as knowledge capacity development for staff”.
He further mentioned the place of agriculture in the sustenance of livelihood and economic development in Nigeria.
“It is pertinent to mention that agriculture with its allied sectors is undeniably the biggest livelihood provider in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas,and contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP)” .
The issue of food security in Nigeria has become a perennial challenge owing to total collapse in security infrastructure . Inability of farmers to access their farmlands due to the activities of herdsmen poses a potential food crisis .
He noted that the strategic position of Benue State in food production in Nigeria informed his choice.
The bill was referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture for further legislative action .
