The Dean, faculty of Agricultural Science in the University of Ibadan, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya has charged the government to maximize the potentials of women and youths in agriculture in the country.
The professor made this known yesterday, 11th July, 2019 while delivering his inaugural lecture titled ‘’Voice for the Voiceless Hungered Angered’’ at the faculty of Science Lake Side Theatre of the University during the 459th Inaugural lecture of the University.
While delivering his inaugural lecture, the erudite professor said, ‘’my journey so far has created voice for the hungry, angry and battered voiceless citizens who are in search of livelihood and better life in our social, political, and indeed, economic life. So, when women and youth are empowered and can claim their rights and access to land, leadership, opportunities and choices, economies grow, food security is enhanced and prospects are improved for current and future generations’’.
Talking on how robust agenda for efficient agricultural value chain development can be achieved, he said ‘’It is time to demand for expansion of small and medium size enterprises and rural food processors with simple agricultural machinery support system with linkages between rural and urban actors as a promotion of agro-allied industrial development to create ample opportunities for the youth with specific reference to manufacture and packaging especially agrochemicals, feed production, seed production, farm machinery , hiring services, and export market information networking’’.
Speaking on the government to empower the youth on agricultural development, he said ‘’It’s quite unfortunate that, farming communities in Nigeria and most of the developing countries have not been adequately empowered to judiciously utilize and contribute immensely in consolidating the desired sustainable development. Therefore, governments at all levels and the private sector must unite and support research efforts as practiced in other climes to engender development in all fronts’’.
The inaugural lecture had in attendance well-wishers across the country which include, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, ably represented by the permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Muhammed Umar, Niger State Governor, Abubarka Sani Bello ably represented by his Deputy Governor ,Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso ,the former Head of State and ambassador for peace in Africa, General Abdulsalam Abubakar GCFR; his wife, Fatima Abubakar; former SGF, Alhaji Yayali Ahmed; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; Etsu Nupe, HRM. Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB registrar, ; The managment of University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Banjo, Prof. Safiya Yahaya, and host of Niger state indigenes who graced the event.
