The Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU), Dr Philips Nto, has said that the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, is committed to ensuring that the Centre is used to enhance food production in Abia and the neighbouring states. 

Nto made the disclosure on Wednesday when he conducted 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 has 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 has taken a personal interest in the development and growth of the centre, and thus, making it one of the fastest-growing enterprises in the university.
“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,” the director said.
Nto disclosed that since its establishment a few months ago, the Agribusiness Incubation Centre has reached out to high-profile individuals and corporate organisations who require its services.
He noted that top government officials in Abia State have also visited the centre to seek working relationships that would enhance food production in the state.
Nto announced that training people in the modern technologies of farming will help ensure that states around the University does not suffer food insecurity.
He said the staff of the centre were seasoned professionals in the areas of agriculture, Agribusiness and ancillary support services.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Iwe for his sustained encouragement, which has assisted the centre to carry out its core mandate.