The proposal to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State has garnered approval among members of the National Assembly and various other stakeholders.
Sponsored by Philip Agbese, the representative of the Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Benue State, the bill gained traction during a public hearing at the National Assembly on Friday.
The hearing of the bill attracted stakeholders from diverse sectors including agriculture and education.
During the hearing, Agbese emphasized the significance of the proposed institution in addressing the country’s food production and research needs, particularly in light of the ongoing food crisis.
The Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives highlighted the bill as a pivotal step towards revolutionizing the nation’s agricultural sector and unleashing its full potential.
Agbese further emphasized the essential role of his federal constituency in contributing to the nation’s food production, stressing the potential benefits for the region and the nation as a whole.
Additionally, Professor Hyacinth Aboh, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the institution, emphasized the timeliness of the bill and highlighted the peaceful nature of the Agila community. He noted that approximately 90 percent of the community's inhabitants are engaged in farming due to the fertile land.
Stakeholders at the public hearing expressed that the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in the state is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s agricultural sector, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability.