Dr. Philips Nto.
By Anthony Kalu
Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), is committed to ensuring that the Centre is used to enhance food production in Abia and the neighbouring states. Dr. Philips Nto, Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre of the institution, made this disclosure Wednesday, May 8, 2024, while conducting newsmen around facilities in the centre.
He noted that although, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the Centre to teach and encourage local farmers on modern techniques of farming, Prof. Iwe’s passion for excellence had made the difference.
He also expressed confidence that Nigeria would soon overcome its challenges of food insecurity if youths were trained and empowered to participate in agriculture and agribusiness.
Nto noted further that the vice-chancellor had taken a personal interest in the development and growth of the Centre, thus making it one of the fastest-growing enterprises in the university.
Said the director: “We have a VC who is passionate about what we do here, such that we have all that we need to excel. We have his 100 percent support for our activities”.
He disclosed that since its establishment a few months ago, the Agribusiness Incubation Centre had reached out to high-profile individuals and corporate organisations who require its services.
He noted that top government officials in Abia State had also visited the Centre to seek working relationships that would enhance food production in the state.
Nto announced that training of people in the modern technologies of farming would help ensure that states around the University did not suffer food insecurity.
He said the staff of the Centre were seasoned professionals in the areas of agriculture, Agribusiness and ancilliary support services.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Iwe for his sustained encouragement, which had assisted the Centre to carry out its core mandate.
