The Federal Government has established an agribusiness incubation center to enhance food production through quality control and capacity building, as part of its endeavors to attain food and nutrition security in the nation.
The center at Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State was officially opened by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). Dr. Umakhihe said that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture and food security.
He clarified that the project’s goals are to facilitate and attract investments into the agricultural sector, ensure the sustainability of agri-based businesses, increase domestic food production, and increase exports. He indicated that the incubation center was established as a special center of excellence to empower youths and women, promote wealth creation and employment generation, as well as poverty reduction.
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He clarified that the project’s goals are to facilitate and attract investments into the agricultural sector, ensure the sustainability of agri-based businesses, increase domestic food production, and increase exports. He indicated that the incubation center was established as a special center of excellence to empower youths and women, promote wealth creation and employment generation, as well as poverty reduction.
He went on to say that the center would act as a practical knowledge hub where people could learn about specific commodities and gain practical skills, processes, and inputs. The center is also equipped to offer business basics through extensive training programs along commodity value chains and for business start-ups, which includes bank loan access and other funds guarantee programs.
According to Umakhihe, the center will give farmers the ability to learn about and adopt cutting-edge ideas and technology in all areas of the value chain of commodities, including production, processing, storage, and marketing.
In his remarks, he emphasized that the center will facilitate access to investors, market research, strategic partner connections, business plan creation, and networking.
He praised Federal University, Lokoja’s administrative team and vice chancellor for their assistance and collaboration in making the program a success.
During his speech, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, promised to make sure the university took full advantage of the chance to prepare the students to become successful farmers who would help the country produce food.
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