In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which underscores the significance of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), officially commissioned an Agribusiness Incubation Center at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi State.
A press statement issued by the Assistant Director of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna on behalf of the Director, disclosed that the center aims to fortify food production, capacity building, quality control, and advancing food and nutrition security across the nation,
Dr. Umakhihe highlighted that the incubation center has been established as a Special Center of Excellence with a multifaceted mission.
Its primary objectives include supporting food security in Nigeria, empowering youth and women, fostering employment opportunities, wealth creation, and poverty reduction. Moreover, the project seeks to attract investments into the agricultural sector, ensure the sustainability of agri-based businesses, and augment domestic food production and exports.
The newly inaugurated center is poised to function as a practical knowledge hub where individuals can acquire practical skills, engage in essential processes, and access valuable insights concerning specific commodities.
Furthermore, it will offer comprehensive training programs covering various commodity value chains, facilitating the establishment of new businesses, and aiding access to bank loans and other financial guarantee programs.
Dr. Umakhihe emphasized that the center is geared towards assisting farmers in adopting novel technologies and innovations across the entire spectrum of commodity enterprises, encompassing production, processing, storage, and marketing.
Additionally, the center will actively support market research, foster strategic partnerships, and provide access to investors, thus aiding in the development of business plans and facilitating extensive business networking opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary extended his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and management staff of FUL for their unwavering support and collaboration in ensuring the successful establishment of the Agribusiness Incubation Center.
In response, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, the Vice Chancellor of FUL, expressed his commitment to utilizing this new resource to educate students, enabling them to become influential agriculturalists who will significantly contribute to the nation’s food production and overall food security.
The high point of the event was the official handover of the Incubation Center to the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Lokoja, by the Permanent Secretary of FMAFS. The occasion was graced by the presence of Directors from FMAFS, management, and staff from FUL, and various developmental partners, among other distinguished guests.