Prof. Felix Salako, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has voiced support for the growing calls for the diversification of the nation’s economy through agriculture.
Salako expressed the support in a statement signed by Dr Linda Onwuka, Head of Directorate of Public Relations of the university, which was given to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
The statement said that Salako spoke at the opening of the facilitation and communication skills training programme for agricultural extension agents on the university campus.
It said the vice-chancellor described agriculture as a sustainable tool for national development and urged trainees, who were receiving training under the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) of states, to be change catalysts.
“The young people I see here today are the new generation of extension officers; they will be catalysts in efforts to push the nation forward, using agriculture as an alternative to crude oil export.
“It is dawning on everybody that we are running into trouble with oil. What may even make oil more useless is the fact that people are already thinking of alternative sources of energy, even for running cars.
“So, this training could not have come at a better time than now,” the statement quoted Salako as saying.
It said that the vice-chancellor expressed the readiness of the university to collaborate with other bodies to strengthen the skills of agricultural workers, particularly extension services agents.
“We are ready to strengthen the skills of extension agents, using participatory and adult-learning methodology, to enhance timely and sustained supply of cassava root by small and medium scale farmers.
“We are confident that the completion of the course will make the participants better and help in building their capacity to facilitate effective facilitation and communication with farmers.
“As extension officers, you need to step up your roles in contributing to the development of our nation. You need to develop good relationship with farmers and subsequently use these skills to connect yourself.
“One thing that has come to the fore these days is that farmers do not trust agriculturists anymore. You must be ready to convince the farmer to even listen to you.
“So, you need a lot of efforts to be able to convince farmers about innovations,’’ Salako was quoted as saying.
The statement said that Salako stressed that the training was apt, while the approach to engage both extension agents of the state ADPs and procurement executives of cassava-processing factories would definitely achieve the desired results.
Also, Prof. Lateef Sanni, the Country Manager of Cassava: Adding Value for Africa II (CAVA II), said in the statement that the inconsistency in the supply of raw materials was a major and critical factor affecting the survival of large scale industries.
Sanni, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Designate of FUNAAB, reportedly said that sourcing cassava raw materials required a lot of effort
“We are aware that you have different locations where you source for raw materials but at present, there are some issues we have itemised in the last two years.
“The major problem is that the farmers themselves have informed us that some of the extension officers or procurement officers are delaying their payments.
“This is attitudinal and that’s why we decided to bring in a consultant that will interact with you on facilitation, communication and sustainable engagements,’’ the statement quoted Sanni as saying. (NAN)
