The bill to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State, has garnered support from members of the National Assembly and various stakeholders.
Sponsored by Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, the bill gained acceptance during a public hearing at the National Assembly on Friday. The hearing attracted stakeholders from sectors such as agriculture and education.
Agbese emphasized the importance of the proposed institution for addressing the nation’s current food crisis, highlighting its potential to enhance food production and agricultural research. He noted, “Benue State is the food basket of the nation, and my federal constituency produces a significant portion of that food.”
He further explained that many research institutes have conducted fieldwork in Agila, and the new institution would help sustain and expand these efforts, benefiting both the nation and the local community.
Professor Hyacinth Aboh, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the institution, praised the bill’s timeliness and noted the peaceful nature of the Agila community, where about 90% of residents are farmers benefiting from the fertile land.
Stakeholders believe the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Agila will positively impact the nation’s agricultural sector, promoting growth, innovation, and sustainability.
