The Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu has pledged collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta on food security and improved farming methodology.
Salisu said that with the abundant agricultural resources in the country coupled with fertile land and good weather, Nigeria should be able to feed her citizens.
The lawmaker stated this on Tuesday during an interactive session with the university community, held at its red chamber.
The senator noted that he was ready to support and partner the university in training local farmers in Ogun Central, saying it remain one of the means in achieving sustainable food production and tackling hunger in the country.
He called on the institution not to hesitate in sending students to rural areas for wide extension services in order to ensure an improved farming methodology, which could further address food security in the country.
“Can we begin to train our farmers in the rural area, can we have our students for wide extension service for our farmers to ensure we have improved new farming methodology and invariably address the food insecurity.
“I have come to identify with you, the university community, to build a partnership that will benefit my constituency at large, and to support you in anyway possible to address those challenges that the institution might be facing, he said.
Salisu also assured the university community that he would facilitate the reconstruction of the deplorable road from camp to the school.
He added that before the reconstruction of the road which he would ensure is in the next appropriation bill , he would make a move for immediate palliatives on the road.
“I can equally see that the road leading to the university is not in good shape, but I can assure that something drastic shall be done to get the road fixed, it may first be palliatives afterwhich we shall ensure e reconstruction of the entire stretch”.
Salisu, who also doubles as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology disclosed that plans were on the way to harmonise database of Nigerians.
“ You can not have a digital economy without a reliable digital identity, and digital identity starts with harmonising database to ensure that one individual is recognised across the system.
“We have engaged with the relevant Ministry, we must ensure that a Nigerian who has registered with a name and has a National Identity Number must be recognised across all platforms,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olusola Kehinde appreciated the Senator for deeming it fit to interact with the university community.
Kehinde stated that the university would cooperate and partner with the senator in order to achieve all the lofty programmes lined up for the institution.
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