In a significant development, the Ministry of Agriculture has bestowed an incubation center upon the Federal University in Lokoja. This strategic donation aims to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship within the university, aligning with broader efforts to boost the nation's agricultural sector.
The Federal University in Lokoja, Kogi state, recently celebrated a significant addition to its infrastructure, a state-of-the-art agribusiness incubation center donated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This noteworthy contribution aligns with the government's steadfast commitment to fostering sustainability and amplifying the momentum of growth in the agricultural sector.
At the heart of this initiative is Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who played a pivotal role in commissioning the agribusiness incubation center. During the university's 6th and 7th combined convocation ceremony, Umakhihe expressed the government's dedication to creating an enabling environment that catalyzes the efforts of farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors throughout the entire agricultural value chain.
Umakhihe shed light on the government's overarching strategy, emphasizing the promotion of local and foreign partnerships to elevate the current levels of trade and investment in agriculture. This, he noted, is a crucial component of the economic diversification agenda for the country. The agribusiness incubation center, designated as a Special Centre of Excellence, stands as a testament to this commitment, with its primary goal being to support and promote food security in Nigeria.
In addition to its role in enhancing food security, the incubation center has a multifaceted mission. It is strategically positioned to support youth and women empowerment while fostering employment generation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction. The focus extends beyond theoretical concepts to the practical development of agribusiness and entrepreneurship skills across various agricultural value chains throughout the country.
"The center's core objectives," explained Umakhihe, "encompass enhancing production capacity, facilitating value addition, ensuring quality control and standards, and opening access to local and international markets for agricultural produce." This comprehensive approach reflects a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the agribusiness incubation center is not merely a physical space; it is envisioned as a practical knowledge hub. Here, individuals can acquire the best practical skills, processes, and insights pertaining to specific commodities. The emphasis is on producing a new generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs capable of adapting to new technologies and innovations across the entire value chain, from production and processing to storage and marketing.
Umakhihe underscored the center's role in attracting investments into the agricultural sector. "The project aims to ensure the survival and sustainability of agricultural-based businesses, increase domestic food production, and promote exports," he affirmed. This aligns with the broader economic goals of the nation and contributes to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global agricultural market.
The Agribusiness Incubation Centre, according to Umakhihe, is equipped with the necessary resources to provide business basics through comprehensive training programs along commodity value chains and business start-ups. This includes facilitating access to bank loans, other funds, and guarantee programs. The center is poised to support market research, create linkages with strategic partners, provide access to investors, and assist in the development of business plans and networks.
Looking beyond the immediate impact on the university, Umakhihe highlighted the center's potential to serve as a catalyst for the growth of agribusiness, trade, and investment not only in Kogi state but throughout Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the university would leverage this opportunity and contribute significantly to the government's efforts to boost the nation's economy through the agricultural sector.
As part of the advocacy and awareness promotion, Umakhihe urged the university's management to sensitize youth, women, and other potential beneficiaries within the university's catchment area and beyond. Creating awareness about the opportunities provided by the agribusiness incubation center is crucial to maximizing its impact and fostering widespread participation.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of agriculture and food security, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe was honored with a doctorate degree, Doctor of the Letter, Honours Causa, by the University during the convocation ceremony. This acknowledgment underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between the government and institutions of higher learning in driving positive change in key sectors of the economy.
