TetFund Vows Support for MOUAU Agribusiness Center to Combat Food Insecurity
TetFund pledges assistance to enhance Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike's Agribusiness Incubation Centre, addressing food insecurity and empowering youth and women in agriculture.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a promising move to bolster Nigeria's agricultural sector and combat food insecurity, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) has pledged its unwavering support to enhance the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Arch Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TetFund, expressed admiration for the remarkable progress achieved by the Centre within a short span. During a courtesy visit by the Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, and his management team to TetFund's Abuja office on Tuesday, Arch Echono affirmed TetFund's commitment to assist the Centre in flourishing and achieving even greater strides.
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Recognizing the pivotal role of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre in addressing food insecurity, Arch Echono emphasized the importance of empowering youth and women in the agricultural sector. He reiterated TetFund's dedication to providing not only financial aid but also facilitating the training of academic staff from other institutions in the agribusiness value chain at MOUAU.
Advocating for modernization and commercialization of the Centre in alignment with contemporary methods, Arch Echono underscored TetFund's intent to equip the Centre adequately and establish a pilot farm for rural training initiatives.
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In response, Prof Iwe expressed gratitude for TetFund's willingness to support the Agribusiness Incubation Centre, citing its overwhelming endorsement by local communities. Despite being built by the federal government, the Centre requires additional equipment for optimal functionality, prompting MOUAU's appeal for assistance.
Prof Iwe commended the caliber of staff at the Centre, particularly highlighting the leadership of Dr. Philips Nto, the Director, for his extensive administrative and technical expertise. He proposed collaboration with TetFund to extend training opportunities to staff from diverse institutions and communities.
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The visit witnessed the presence of key MOUAU officials, including Prof. Udo Herbert (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics), Prof Elechi Asawalam (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration), Dr (Mrs.) Nkeiru Mbanasor (Registrar), Dr Isaac Ogbonna (University Librarian), and Dr Philips Nto (Director, Agribusiness Incubation Centre).
This collaborative effort between TetFund and MOUAU signifies a significant step towards fostering agricultural development and securing food sustainability in Nigeria.
