By Sebastine Okafor, Enugu

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has been commended for his visionary approach to revitalizing the state’s agricultural sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Aloysius Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, made this commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Nwabueze Ubru, along with agricultural consultants from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA.

Prof. Okolie highlighted that Governor Mbah’s agricultural vision is crucial for fostering economic growth and ensuring food sufficiency in Enugu State. He emphasized that ESUT, as a university of technology, is ready to align with the governor’s agricultural initiatives. “We have a robust team of experts in agriculture, and we are fully prepared to support the governor’s plan for the sector,” Prof. Okolie said. He also expressed the university’s eagerness to collaborate with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, particularly in staff and student training programs focused on agricultural advancements.

Mr. Nwabueze Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture, applauded the efforts of ESUT in complementing the state government’s agricultural vision. He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, which has laid the groundwork for turning agriculture into a significant pillar of the state’s economy. “Governor Mbah has set out clear goals to make Enugu State an agricultural hub, and partnerships with institutions like ESUT will be key to achieving this,” Ubru stated. He further assured the university of the state’s readiness to provide the necessary resources for agricultural development, including establishing a ranch within the university’s premises.

The commissioner also emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and international institutions to drive sustainable agricultural development. “We are here to build partnerships that will not only benefit Enugu State but also elevate ESUT as a center of agricultural excellence,” he added. Ubru reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the fencing of the university by November to secure its agricultural ventures.

Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), also praised Governor Mbah for his relentless pursuit of agricultural reforms. She noted that the governor’s focus on livestock production is a strategic move to boost food security and create employment opportunities. “The governor’s vision for livestock farming is not just about increasing production but also ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sector in Enugu State,” Nnajieze said.

She further emphasized the critical role that ESUT can play in advancing livestock productivity through research and innovation. “With the expertise and facilities at ESUT, we can pioneer groundbreaking solutions that will enhance the productivity and resilience of the livestock sector,” she added. Dr. Nnajieze called for continued collaboration between the university, the state government, and international partners to ensure the success of the livestock productivity projects in the state.

Prof. AO Anoruo, representing Texas A&M University-Kingsville, reiterated the importance of building strong partnerships. He stressed that agricultural training programs must be sustained locally to ensure their long-term success. “This partnership offers a unique opportunity for ESUT students and staff to receive specialized training, both locally and abroad, in areas like ranch management. Texas A&M is the only university in the U.S. that offers this particular program, and we are excited to explore this collaboration further,” Prof. Anoruo stated.

The Managing Director of El Capricio Ag Consulting, USA, Professor Alphonsus Ortega, expressed his company’s readiness to contribute to the successful implementation of the agricultural projects. “We are committed to ensuring the full realization of these projects. Agriculture, when done right, has the power to transform entire communities. Our goal is to bring world-class agricultural practices to Enugu State, which will not only create jobs but also inspire a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs,” Prof. Ortega said.

He emphasized that proper training and knowledge transfer are key to the success of the partnership. “Our objective is to bring practical, hands-on training to ESUT. This will give students and local farmers the skills they need to excel in modern agriculture,” he added. Professor Ortega also remarked on the importance of ranching as a sustainable solution to food security, stating, “The ranching initiative we are supporting will have a ripple effect, providing meat and dairy products that will reduce the state’s dependence on external suppliers.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Emeka Nzeh, also affirmed the university’s dedication to supporting the governor’s vision. “We are determined to ensure that this initiative not only benefits the state but also positions ESUT as a leader in agricultural innovation,” Prof. Nzeh stated. He further noted that the faculty is already making preparations to implement training programs in ranch management, crop production, and livestock farming.

“We are confident that the collaboration with Texas A&M will bring lasting benefits to our students and the broader community,” Prof. Nzeh added. “Our faculty is known for producing top-tier agricultural professionals, and with this partnership, we will elevate our capabilities even further.”

Among those present at the meeting were the Registrar of ESUT, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, The University’s Bursar and Librarian, Dr. Augustine Ikechukwu Ojeh and Dr Mrs Jacinta Ezeh, the Director of ESUT Consult, Prof. Okey Orji amongst others.