BY: NWAEBIEM JENNIFER NWAKAIFE /JUDE EFE
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, has convened the 48th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security at Hotel Presidential, Enugu, with a call for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to enhance agricultural productivity, food security and economic growth. The meeting, themed “Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains, Agro-Industrialization and Market Access for Economic Growth,” brought together the Minister of Agriculture, commissioners, permanent secretaries, agricultural stakeholders and other dignitaries from the six geopolitical zones of the country.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Enugu State, Mrs. Geraldine Onu formally opened the meeting and welcomed participants. The Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Honorable Dr. Patrick Uburu also warmly welcomed the Minister, permanent secretaries, commissioners, and other agricultural stakeholders to Enugu State, expressing appreciation for choosing the state to host the important national gathering.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Azubike called on state governments to complement the efforts of the federal government in improving agricultural productivity. He stressed the need for collective responsibility, sustainable agricultural practices, and deliberate policies that would strengthen the sector, build resilience, and promote agricultural development across the country. He noted that meaningful progress could only be achieved when all levels of government work together towards a common agricultural development agenda.
Similarly, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Nasiru Samela urged participants to remain focused on the objectives of the meeting and contribute meaningfully to discussions that would advance the nation’s agricultural sector. He also appreciated the Enugu State Government and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for the warm reception and hospitality extended to delegates from different parts of the country.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation and consideration of memoranda submitted by various agricultural organisations, institutions, and state representatives. The memoranda were read, examined, corrected where necessary, and subsequently accepted as part of the council’s deliberations. The meeting provided an important platform for stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural development, strengthen value chains, promote agro-industrialisation and improve market access, with the overall objective of advancing food security, creating economic opportunities and achieving sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria.
