Ahmadu Bello University Hosts Lecture on Agriculture and Economic Solutions Ahead of AGA

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hosted its 17th Pre-Annual General Assembly (AGA) Lecture on Friday, 27th September, 2024, at the Assembly Hall, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria. The lecture is part of the activities marking the Annual General Assembly of the institution’s alumni association.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, delivered a paper titled “Hunger and Economic Hardship: A Call to Return to our Roots and Embrace Innovative Agricultural Solutions.” Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, the minister emphasized the increase in global hunger, particularly in economically challenged countries like Nigeria. He cited that Nigeria ranked 109 out of 128 countries in a 2023 report.

The minister attributed the rising hunger to economic factors, climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, and displacement. He highlighted Northern Nigeria’s history of agricultural prosperity, urging the region to support the federal government’s initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda to revive agriculture.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Kabiru Bala, lauded the alumni association for organizing the lecture and called on all alumni to contribute to the University’s Endowment Fund, citing the financial challenges facing Nigerian universities.

The Chairman of the event, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, represented by the Wazirin Zazzau, Khadi Inuwa Aminu, encouraged alumni to donate a portion of their monthly income to the university, while also stressing the need to address the security challenges preventing farmers from accessing their lands.

The event concluded with interactive sessions and an awards presentation to the Vice-Chancellor and other distinguished alumni, attended by university staff, students, and guests.