American varsity to partner Delta on agric devt

Officials of the Michigan State University, United States, have expressed keen interest in collaborating with the Delta State Government to develop agriculture in the state.
 
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
Source: nigeriantimes.ng
Dr Oyinkan Tasie, leader of the delegation from the university’s Department of International Development, expressed the commitment in Asaba recently when they visited Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.

‘‘We have come to seek partnership with the Delta State Government to see ways we can work together to develop institutions and manpower in the agricultural sector. Through the provision of training for efficient manpower development and improved best practices, we are optimistic that the programme, which will also run in six other states in Nigeria, would be a huge success.

‘‘Our partnership objective is to help formulate a viable agricultural policy for the state, through collaborative work with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. The partnership will involve training of students and academicians in the various fields of agriculture as well as the provision of technical logistics to improving agricultural programmes in the state,’’ he said.

Tasie, a lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economy, Michigan State University, listed Benue, Ebonyi and Niger as some of the states that were selected for the partnership programme with the university.

Responding, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Agas, said the state government placed high premium on agriculture.

‘‘Since the inception of the present administration in Delta, government has initiated various agricultural development programmes and investments in agriculture to empower our people,’’ he said.

Okowa listed the state government’s investments in oil palm production, aqua-culture and rice production as well as its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria in agriculture as some of its development initiatives.

He expressed optimism that the partnership programme would be mutually beneficial to both the state government and the Michigan State University.


(NAN)

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