By Joan Nwagwu
The First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says there is the need for concerted efforts towards achieving food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu said this at the commissioning of the Abuja East-West Knowledge Transfer(EWS-KT) Learning Site (Vegetable Demonstration Garden) at the University of Abuja on Wednesday in Abuja.
The programme was organised by the university in collaboration with EWS-KT and the Embassy of the Netherlands.
EWS-KT is a non-profot corporate foundation, aimed at improving production and business skills of smallholder farmers.
The first lady represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended the university for the Initiative.
According to her, this initiative is not only unique but it is important as a direct response to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)’ every home a garden programme.
“As a government, we always encourage this kind of results driving partnership that seeks to actualise government policies and programmes.
“But also, the bold steps by your university upgrade our farming system and food security through the sustainable agriculture.
“I understand that this initiative is a product of collaboration between your university and a non-profit organisation.
“This is with the aim of training small holder farmers on vegetable cultivation techniques to achieve food security in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda,”she said.
Tinubu, therefore, commended the the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aisha Mekudi, for not only re- engineering the university to the path of peace, but also initiating sustainable programmes and projects.
She urged other players in the agriculture industry to collaborate more with universities and research institutes to deepen and transfer knowledge for the good of the people.
She said that, as a government, we always encourage this kind of results driving partnership that sought to actualise government policies and programmes.
Also speaking, Prof. Aisha Mekudi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of university, said the initiative was an important milestone towards equipping the next generation with critical skills in sustainable agriculture and vegetable production.
Maikudi noted that this was an endeavour that directly aligned with its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security needs.
According to her, this significant initiative, underscores the First Lady‘s dedication to sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment
“We are immensely grateful for your support and the role you have played as a leading stakeholder in championing food security and entrepreneurship for the people of Nigeria.
“The East West Technology Transfer Foundation has embarked on an inspiring mission to educate and empower small holder farmers with improved vegetable cultivation techniques by partnering with institutions like ours.
“The foundation bridges critical knowledge gaps, helping to spread practical knowledge on modern, effective vegetable production method.
“This collaboration to establish a learning site here at the university embodies a vision we share, a future where agriculture not only feeds but also empowers our community,’’ she said.
Maikudi added that this practical demonstration learning site will serve as a training ground where students, researchers and local farmers could gain invaluable insights into best practices for vegetable production.
She said the Centre for Learning would be an innovation and growth, that would advance collective goals of entrepreneurship, sustainability and food security.
“We are proud that the university is at the forefront of this initiative, and we are committed to supporting the east west.,”she said.
Earlier in a keynote address by Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture in the university commended the partners of the programme.
Oyerinde said that there was the need to adopt a new thinking in agriculture, which reflected a value chain approach to agriculture commodity.
He said that smart investment in agriculture would have multiplier effects for the whole economy and hence induce prosperity to other sectors.
“Vegetable production in Nigeria is a profitable venture that when done right can yield sustainable returns,’’ he said.
Mr Stuart Morris, the Executive Director for EWS-KT foundation said the main objective of the farm was to expose and train with different stakeholders on profitable and sustainable production practices.
According to him, we expect that this will benefit students and farmers, as well as extension workers from other organisations and institutions.
“We hope that this farm will act as a hub of inspiration to showcase the opportunities that vegetables can bring towards rural economic development and improve nutrition,” he said.