The Management of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi has taken possession of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre/Cassava Processing Factory newly constructed for the University through the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).
The official handing over of the structure which is sited at the main campus of the University (Permanent Site, Felele) took place on Monday, 13th February 2023 between the Principal Officers/members of FUL Management and the representatives of Afri Prime Nigeria Limited - the contractor who handled the project. Also present during the brief ceremony were the Director of Consultancy Services & Ventures (CS&V), Professor David Irefin, and the Farm Manager, Mr. Safiyanu Salihu Abdullahi, among other top officials from the Directorate of CS&V.
The Incubation Center will, among other functions, house the processing plant and equipment that will be used for processing high-quality garri, cassava starch, cassava flour, cassava chips, etc, to drive the agribusiness and farming-related commercial activities of the University.
In addition to the Agribusiness Centre is the 800m rural road leading to the University Farm also constructed by the FMARD under its Department of Rural Development. Some of the important facilities and equipment included in the project are a 20KVA Mikano generator, training center, offices, furniture, computers and accessories as well as other office equipment which have been supplied to make the center fully functional.
While receiving the keys to the building, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for considering FUL as one of the beneficiary Institutions in establishing the Demonstration Farm. He particularly thanked the Permanent Secretary FMARD, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe for his immense role in ensuring that the University benefits from the intervention, and equally commended the contractor for the timely completion of the project.
Earlier before the handing over, the Vice-Chancellor and his Management team were conducted around the fenced incubation center by the Farm Manager to inspect the various sections of the building and directed the Chief Security Officer to immediately deploy his personnel to take full possession of the facility.
Recall that the Vice-Chancellor has restated commitment to an aggressive drive for improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the University while highlighting his year 2023 plans at the first Senate meeting of the year held on Monday, 30th January 2023 at the Senate Chamber.
During the maiden meeting also, Professor Akinwumi specifically informed the distinguished Senate members of his administration's plan to establish an Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Zoological and Botanical Gardens this year in addition to other efforts aimed at ensuring that the University goes into full commercial agriculture and large-scale tree planting through the Directorate of Consultancy Services & Ventures. See more pictures here