Philip Nto | File Image
‘The vice-chancellor took personal interest in the development and growth of the centre, thus making it one of the fastest growing enterprise in the university’
By Nkechi Nwankwo
The Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Dr Philips Nto, has assured of the commitment and the capability of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in boosting food production in Abia and other neighbouring states, using the Agribusiness Incubation Centre as a platform.
Nto made the disclosure, while conducting newsmen around the centre’s facilities on Wednesday, May 8, 2024,.
Nto explained that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the centre to teach and encourage local farmers on modern techniques of farming, Iwe’s passion for excellence has made the difference.
Also read: Embrace agriculture to curb food shortage, Nto advises students
He also assured that Nigeria would have long ago overcome its challenges of food insecurity if youths were trained and empowered to participate in agriculture and agribusiness.
Nto further disclosed that the vice-chancellor took personal interest in the development and growth of the centre, thus making it one of the fastest growing enterprise in the university.
His words: “We have a VC who is passionate about what we do here; such that we have all that we need to excel. We have his 100 percent support for our activities.”
He disclosed that since its establishment a few months ago, the Agribusiness Incubation Centre has reached out to high-profile individuals and corporate organisations who require its services.
He noted that top government officials in Abia State have also visited the centre to seek working relationships that would enhance food production in the state.
Nto also disclosed that training of people in the modern technologies of farming would help ensure that states around the university do not suffer food insecurity.
He said the staff of the centre were seasoned professionals in the areas of agriculture, Agribusiness and ancillary support services.
Besides, Nto expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Iwe, for his sustained encouragement, which has assisted the centre to carry out its core mandate.
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