Abia State Government has officially endorsed the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, recognizing it as a pivotal force for improving food production within the state. The government has pledged to collaborate with the Centre to encourage more people to venture into agriculture, thus ensuring food security.
The declaration was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Monica Ironkwe, during a visit to the Centre at MOUAU, where she led a delegation. She highlighted that Governor Alex Otti was impressed by the Centre’s rapid progress since its inception, prompting the government’s interest in partnering with it.
Prof. Ironkwe emphasized the government’s commitment to working with the Centre to increase food production and promote agricultural profitability among the populace. Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, the Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, also expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre for the welfare of the citizens.
Dr. Philips Nto, the Director of the Centre, received the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe. Dr. Nto expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his keen interest in the Centre’s activities, assuring him of MOUAU’s support in achieving his vision of enhancing food production in the state. Dr. Nto also lauded the government’s efforts in infrastructure development and human capital, foreseeing Abia as a future hub of Agricbusiness in the southern region of Nigeria.
The visit included Prof. Nneoma Obasi, the Dean of the College of Applied Food Science and Technology, Prof. Ifeoma Onwuka, the Director of the Centre for Gender and Child Development, and key staff of the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre.
