Bill seeking establishment agricultural college in Edumoga passes second reading

The Bill for an Act to establish The Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojopa, and for other related matters, being sponsored by Distinguished Senator Abba Patrick Moro, passed Second Reading on the floor of the Senate this Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The Bill was read the first time on Wednesday, 26th January, 2022.

In his lead debate, Senator Moro said the primary intent of the Bill was to establish the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, to contribute to the development 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 said Nigeria’s food security was threatened by the security challenge confronting the country, he stated that a knowledge-driven agricultural practice was an imperative need, hence the need for the Federal College of Agricultural Technology.

His lead debate;

“Mr. president, Distinguished Colleagues, I seek your kind leave to lead the debate on this very important Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, Benue State.

“The Bill was read for the first time in this revered Chamber on Wednesday, 26th January, 2022.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill is a valorous stride towards, not only addressing the educational needs of the people of Benue State and by extension Nigerians but it will also serve as training ground for the development of agriculturalists in the country, the primary intent of the Bill is to establish the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, to contribute to the development 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.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, 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).

“May I mention further, Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, that demand for agricultural products is daily on the increase with increase in population and per capital income and growing demand from industrial sectors.

“The Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu-Ojapo, when established will train and produce morally sound graduates to become self-employed in the area of Science and Agriculture; establish linkages and collaboration with other policy makers, research institutes and training institutions; establish and manage modern standard livestock farms, veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories, produce technicians capable of carrying out routine preventive measures and advisory services in livestock, fishery and crop production, promote capacity building through outreach programs, vocational training, continuous education among others in the area of Science and agriculture, promote youth development and empowerment opportunities through entrepreneurial and agricultural activities.

“Mr President, Distinguished colleagues, in the face of the current security challenge that threatens food security, a knowledge-driven agricultural practice is an imperative need.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I humbly urge you all to support this very essential Bill and pass it accordingly.

“Thank you and God bless.”

After several supportive contributions by Senators, the Bill was passed the Second time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, to report back within four weeks.

Also on Tuesday, Senator Abba Moro’s BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE NIGERIA AGRICULTURAL HARVEST AND PROCESSING FREE ZONE, ATAGANYI, IN APA/AGATU, passed First Reading.

The Zone, if established, shall be involved in the following activities;
1. Harvesting, processing and manufacturing of agricultural commodities, products and goods for export purposes.

2. Warehousing of agricultural products for retail sales.

3. International and commercial arbitration services.

4. Other activities deemed appropriate by the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Authority.

Emmanuel Eche-Ofun John,
SA (New Media) to the Senator
28/06/2022