By Lucky Isibor
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has revealed plans by his administration to merge Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebodo into a single institution, with different schools offering courses in specialised fields to train high quality youth agriprenuers to drive the state’s agricultural programmes and policies.
The governor disclosed this when he received Executive Members of the Usagbe Club of Nigeria, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State on Tuesday.
Obaseki said, “Given the role of agriculture in advancing economy in the country, and considering Edo State as an agrarian state, there is need to establish quality institutions to train youths on agriculture to leverage on the huge potential in the sector.
“We decided to close down the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode; as we intend to have one College of Agriculture with several schools which offer specialised courses on different aspects of agriculture.”
Obaseki further said: “A team is currently working on a curriculum to ensure graduates of the new College of Agriculture will be prepared to become successful agriprenuers and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the agricultural space. The process for the restructuring of the College of Agriculture would be concluded in less than six months from now.”
He explained that as part of his administration’s plans to drive economic growth through agriculture, “the state government is already in talks with Leventis Farm to access 2,000 hectares of land, which would be leased to out-growers this planting season.”
He also assured Executive Members of the Usagbe Club of Nigeria that the construction of the Okpella-Agenebode Road will be completed, noting, “The people of the Weppa-Wanno Clan would begin to enjoy benefits of the ongoing reforms in the health and education sectors.
President, Usagbe Club of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Akiotu, commended the leadership style of the governor, adding, “The decision to restructure the Colleges of Agriculture in the state for efficiency is highly commendable.
“We also commend the plans to complete the construction of the road projects crisscrossing Ivioghe -Iviebua-Ivianokpodi-Iviukhua-Iviegbepui-Iviukwe-Ekwotsor; will connect Weppa-Wanno communities and provide comfort and economic benefits to the people.”
He added that members of the association from the Weppa-Wanno Clan were ready to support the developmental projects and transformation agenda of the state government.
