A bill to establish a Federal College of Agricultural Technology to be sited at Opialu-Ojapo in Benue State which was sponsored by Senator Abba Moro representing Benue South Senatorial district scaled first reading on Tuesday in the Senate.
Moro in the general principles of the bill, stressed that the siting of the Federal tertiary institution would not only address the lack of agricultural technique in that part of the country, but it will go a long way in addressing it at the level of Nigerians generally.
The lawmaker said, the institution, if fully established will improve on training of agricultural technologists in Nigeria who will in their right contribute to the national development.
“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.”
The lawmaker further averred that the proposed Federal College of Agricultural Technology will address the insecurity challenge in the country as more citizens will have opportunity to be trained and get focused in agriculture.
