In an attempt to deal with the problem of food shortage in the country, the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State has planned to streamline it’s agricultural activities in order to serve as a research
centre and for food production.
Speaking to journalists at Ekpoma, the newly appointed Director AAU Farms, Professor Agharese Osifo,said, he was mandated to restreamline the agricultural activities of the University farms to make it self sustaining, centre of excellence for a research for agriculture and also to generate revenue for the University.
Osifo’s, an Associate Professor and a two time Head of a Department of Economics and Extension was appointed in October 2021.
“I was appointed Director AAU Farms effect from 1st of October 2021and was mandate to restreamline the agricultural activities of the University farms to make it self sustaining, centre of excellence for research for agriculture and also to generate revenue for the University.
“I have written a plan on way forward on how to go about the assignment .So I have already forwarded that plan to the Vice Chancellor for approval and implementation.”
“The planis all about the visibility studies and business plan. The two documents are very important for the success of any management activities.
” Also there is a plan to involve the Private, Public Sector Partnership,( PPP), including the Media which is a robust part of it.I do know that most of the media houses , especially the print media have pages for agriculture within the weeks in their papers.
“We will partner with the media for advertising roles for promotion. The media can reach out to the intended and existing customers.
“The media as the 4th estate of the realm in any civilised business venture is very vital. No matter how good your products are , if the people don’t know of it they will not buy it. So, media houses will join the University to promote the Farm Products to the society.
” We will ensure that our Products gets to the University community and the Society in general in moderate prices and also as one of the best that can compete in any market situation in the country,”he concluded.
