Agriculture based economic diversification in Nigeria has been identified as a sure way of managing the insecurity bedeviling the country.
Professor Hafiz Abubakar, stated this at the 10th pre- convocation lecture at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike on Friday.
He spoke on the topic "Nigeria of our dreams: managing National security and diversification of Nigeria's economy through Agriculture".
He posited however, that strong political will be required to develop
and implement policies and strategies for economic diversification in Nigeria.
The lecturer stated that the multi-sectoral nature of agriculture value chain suggests the need for a concerted efforts involving all stakeholders in the development and realisation of the economic diversification agenda.
Abubakar, recommend that a
development of economic diversification plan with clear guidance and responsibility of all stakeholders was imperative to achieve the goal of security.
He charged MOUAU to embark on research in the identification, mapping and deepening agriculture value chain in the country.
According to him, "we must leverage on Science, technology and Innovation (STI) to build an agricultural knowledge based economy.
"Individuals and organisations must be empowered to engage women and youth in different aspects of agricultural food value chain.
"Adult education and agricultural based entrepreneurship especially in rural communities must be strengthened to achieve the needed goal.
"MOUAU should explore the triple helix model (Acaderma-industry-Goverment) partnerships to build a model agricultural foods value chain for self-sufficiency and national orientation".
Earlier the chairman of the convocation lecture Senator Chris Adighije, Pointed out that security was a major determinant of development in Nigeria.
He revealed that insecurity had given rise to myraids of challenges to development.
He insisted that many of the insecurity problems bedeviling Nigeria can be resolved through diversification of Nigeria economy to agriculture.
" The price of oil which has been our major foreign income earner is going down in the international market because of new alternative energy sources.
For us to sustain our economy development, there's need to diversify and pay adequate attention to the agriculture sector and insecurity must addressed if the agricultural sector must be develop" he said.
The vice Chancellor Prof Madu Iwe, represented by the Deputy vice Chancellor Academic Prof Udo Herbert, principal officers of the University, two honorary degrees recipients Dr Cosmas Maduka and Mr Chika Ikenga among others attended the lecture.
The convocation ceremony will hold on Saturday October 27 at the University convocation ground.
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