By Omolara Akintoye
A don is calling on government to urgently resolve the insecurity crises in the country so as to create an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive.
Speaking at the 99th Inaugural Lecture organised by University of Calabar (UniCal), Calabar, Nigeria, the Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria, Professor Ayuk. A. Ausaji who spoke on a paper titled : Justifiable Easy Solutions Unto Sustainability (JESUS) and the food Need” which was held virtually and physically at the UniCal International Conference Centre, Calabar, said govt need to pay urgent attention to the issue of insecurity.
According to Ayuk, main effects of insecurity include : Reduced human mobility; Increased theft of various assets; increased prices of inputs and products, among others, hence the need for govt to curb the threat of insecurity.
Ayuk also described corruption and climactic change as a major threat against agriculture.
His words “Political will is an essential tool to fight corruption and mis-management in the Country. Nigeria has been ranked in the 102nd position out of 104 Countries by Chandler Good Govt. Index (CGGI), there is therefore need to urgently review our priorities to provoke meaningful change” said Prof. Ayuk.
Speaking further, Ayuk also called for enabling policies that supports the welfare, rural development and genuine co-operative which should be funded and not used for carting away funds or statistics.
“More importantly, govt also need to invest in research and development, if other Countries are taking deliberate steps to invest in this area, ours must not be different” said the University Don.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku-Obi highlighted the need to use cheaper alternatives to ensure sustainability and this was reflected in her contribution over the years having used so many cheaper and lesser known alternatives for conventional feeds to enhance animal production and improve food security.
Her words “If we change our ways of life, we will have enough food on the table and everybody will be happy” said Prof. Banku-Obi
Professor Ayuk’s research focuses on Feed cost reduction; Biotechnology; legume supplementation; fibrous waste utilisation for improved ruminant nutrition, among others.
