Ibadan- Friday 2, April 2021: The Provost of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT), Dr Adekoya Owosibo, has said that feedlot system remains the only way Nigeria can come out from the food insecurity it is currently facing.
He noted that the security crisis in the country is immensely contributing to the food challenges the country is experiencing, adding that if proper action is not taken by the Federal Government and every concerned stakeholder, national hunger would be inevitable.
Dr Owosibo disclosed this on Thursday during an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA at the Founder’s Day celebration, which doubled with the 57th anniversary of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
The provost stressed that Farmer-Herders crisis is one of the major challenges contributing to food insecurity in the country.
He therefore called on government to encourage feedlot system (a system that allows cattle in confined quarters rather than being allowed to range freely over grassland till they reach maturity stage, when they have fully gained weight more quickly and efficiently with the added benefit of economies of scale) among crop farmers and cattle herders in order to ensure maximum production and food security in Nigeria.
“We know that a lot of people have not been able to go to their farms because of these challenges that we have.
“If this trend continues, that means, production of food will go down tremendously.
“That is what we are advocating today, that the government should encourage the feedlot system in a way that those that are in crop production will be able to maximize their production, and those that are into animal and cattle production will be able to do their best to make sure that the country moves forward in terms of food security,” he stated.
Speaking on what is expected of his leadership, the FCAHPT boss made known to CEOAFRICA that he would ensure the college continue to uphold the vision of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the leadership of Mallam Mohammed Sabo Nanono, and continue to organise activities that will encourage the students of the college to go into agriculture rather than just learning it.
Adekoya said “I’m positioned to make sure that the vision of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the leadership of Mallam Mohammed Sabo Nanono is well embraced in this college.
“One of the cardinal visions of the Honourable Minister is to ensure food sufficiency and security in the country.
“This is why we are carrying out activities that will encourage students to go into agriculture rather than just learning.
“In this college we learn not only for school but also for life, so that they go on and become self sufficient.”
He assured that the management team under his leadership would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring that the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology become a gold standard by the time he finishes his five-year tenure.
