The Government of Republic of Uganda has entered into partnership arrangement with Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai on capacity building in organic agriculture for her agricultural extension workers and resource-poor rural farmers.
The Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Nelson Ocheger made this known while he called on the Acting Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso at the Government House recently.
Mr. Ocheger pointed out that the partnership project which was at the instance of the IBB University and supported by the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa under the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs was critical to the development of agriculture in Uganda and assured that relevant institutions and agencies in the republic would be ready to participate actively in the project.
He disclosed that majority of Uganda work force are engaged in subsistence farming which has resulted into land fragmentation and soil degradation, hence the need for an environmental friendly and sustainable system of agriculture that would guarantee better crop yields and enhanced income to the rural farmers.
While commending the University for initiating a project that would serve as bedrock for food sufficiency and promote industrialisation in Uganda Republic and Africa Continent in general; the High Commissioner also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support the Institution was receiving from the Niger State Government towards realising its objectives.
He underscored the need for institutions in Africa Continent to come up with similar initiations that will foster co-operation and integration among member countries for her optimum development.
Responding, the Acting Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso reiterated the Government’s determination to support its educational institutions towards evolving research and training projects that have direct bearing on the lives of people.
He tasked other research institutions in the Country to explore more areas that would be beneficial to humanity and also ensure that organic agriculture is popularized for commercial farming.
Alhaji Ketso expressed satisfaction with visit of the Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria and assured that no effort would be spared to sustain the effort of the project by IBB University.
