Igbinedion University Hosts Fifth NAS Ambassadorial Lecture as Bogoro Says Agriculture Is Critical to Nigeria’s Survival

Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, has hosted the fifth Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) Ambassadorial Lecture, where former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, described agriculture as fundamental to Nigeria’s survival and economic development.

Speaking at the event, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Academy of Science, Bogoro stressed that food remains essential to human existence, even as challenges in electricity, roads, education and workers’ welfare continue to affect national development.

He described agriculture as the nerve centre of manufacturing and industrialisation and a major driver of modern economies. However, he expressed concern that despite Nigeria’s substantial agricultural potential, the sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product has been declining.

Bogoro said the sector could regain its economic importance if the Federal Government strengthened agricultural research and development, provided subsidised loans to rural farmers, entrepreneurs and new entrants, and improved access to feeder roads, water and electricity.

He also welcomed the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, urging the government to release the promised take-off funds for the revitalisation of grazing reserves.

According to him, revitalising agriculture would strengthen the economy and support President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He also maintained that there was no risk in consuming processed chicken.

Speaking on the significance of becoming a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Professor Dennis Agbonlahor, outlined the academy’s three principal objectives.

These include providing scientific and technological advice to government institutions, agencies and private organisations; identifying national challenges that science and technology can help address; and collaborating with national and international organisations to maintain high standards in scientific activities.

In his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, OON, FAS, described the academy as an independent organisation that has earned national respect since its establishment in 1976.

Sambo called on the government to increase investment in research facilities and expressed appreciation to Igbinedion University for partnering with the academy to host the lecture.

The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University and chief host, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, welcomed the dignitaries, students and other participants. He also expressed gratitude to the university’s Chancellor and founder, Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, for laying the foundation for the institution’s growth.

Representing the Edo State Governor, the state’s Head of Service, Dr Anthony Osas, who attended as the special guest of honour, urged students to prioritise problem-solving and service to humanity. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.

In his vote of thanks, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Dominic Osagie, MNI, commended Bogoro for what he described as a clear and progressive presentation.

He also thanked the participants, university staff and students for their contributions to the success of the event.