UAES VC LEADS STAFF TO OKIGWE SOUTH FOR LAUNCH OF 2024 PLANTING SEASON

As part of the Community Service role of the Institution, the resourceful Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, Imo State, Prof. Christopher Eze, has led a team of agricultural experts from the Faculty of Agriculture to the Diocese of Okigwe South for the 2024 launch of planting season.

The event which took place on 9th February, 2024 at Mount Olive Secondary School, Umuezeala Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, attracted farmers, parishioners and dignitaries from all walks of life.In his address, Prof. Eze thanked the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South for organizing the programme aimed at improving crop production and enlightening rural farmers.

“In a very special way, I congratulate the Diocese of Okigwe South, Anglican Communion, for the thoughtfulness in organizing this occasion which will boost food production in the Okigwe South. Agriculture, especially farming, is local. It is done in the villages and autonomous communities and not in the urban areas; that makes this occasion very apt because it is targeted at small holder farmers who dwell in the villages to prepare them for the much-needed food production.

“The agricultural sector is faced with the challenges of climate change, low yield per hectare, putting more land into production, use of technologies etc. These factors are militating against the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on food for all by the year 2030.

“I encourage other Churches and organized groups to emulate this noble example set by Okigwe South Diocese (Anglican Communion) by mobilizing their members to go back to Agriculture which has the prospect of lifting Nigeria from the present economic hardship and food insecurity. “On our part, the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, was established by Imo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to address these problems apart from their core mandate of Teaching, Research and Community Services.

"We are here today to showcase some of the improved seeds and seedlings which the farmers can use. We also offer Extension Services to farmers and will soon establish contact farmers from most communities in Imo State who will continually benefit from our services.”

In his speech at the occasion, the chief host of the event and bishop of Okigwe South Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev’d David Onuoha, encouraged the people of the Diocese to take farming seriously as it represents a veritable means of survival. He encouraged the use of innovative methods in farming in order to improve yield.

The UAES team presented their agricultural products, ranging from budded improved seed plants to improved seedlings, to the admiration of farmers and guests.

The event was also attended by the National Root Crops Research Institute, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket and Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team, among others.