The Delta State House of Assembly passed a second reading of a bill on Tuesday to establish the Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute in Aboh, Delta State.
The bill, sponsored by Nnamdi Ezechi, aims to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act of the Federation, 2004, in order to create the institute.
During the debate on the bill, Ezechi emphasized the potential of the institute to significantly impact the agricultural and energy sectors in the country, stressing the need for innovative approaches, modern techniques, and specialized training to fully harness the potential of the agricultural sector.
The creation of the Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute in Aboh, Delta State, is a significant move in this direction.
This institute will not only provide our youth with essential skills and knowledge by combining agricultural and energy studies, but it will also close the divide between traditional farming methods and modern technologies.
“Aboh, situated in Delta State, boasts of fertile lands and abundant natural resources, making it an ideal location for such an institute.
By harnessing the synergy between agriculture and energy, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development, rural electrification, and renewable energy solutions.”
He also pointed out that the bill is in line with the government's efforts to diversify the economy and promote self-sufficiency in food production.
The Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute will provide research, training, and extension services to empower farmers, agripreneurs, and rural communities to adopt best practices, increase productivity, and improve their livelihoods.
Additionally, the institute will act as a catalyst for innovation, technology transfer, and collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies, while also creating a conducive environment for research and development to unlock the potential of the agricultural and energy sectors.
The Presiding officer and Speaker of the House then referred the bill to the Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions for further legislative action.