Gov. Bago performs groundbreaking for Moh’d Umaru Bago Agricultural Research Centre

Governor  Bago who appreciated the family for the honour said, the project falls in line with his vision of establishing a research centre in the State.

The Governor disclosed that the Centre will enable research for Agriculture and Agric Mechanisation and Technology as well as make Niger State become a hub for agricultural research and opportunity for students and researchers to learn  agriculture and other related courses.

He said the research centre will be driven by technology and innovation to create future agriculture research centres and provide learning and skills centres for the youth.

Governor  Umaru Bago described Dr. Umar Sandah Ahmadu as a father figure whose legacies will continue to live as he gave people the foundation and helped in shaping their lives.

The  Governor reassured the Dr. Umar Sandah’s  family that his administration will continue to partner with them and ensure that every initiative they bring will be domesticated.

Chairman, Saleh Ahmadu Foundation, Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, Madaki Lokoja in his remarks said, the initiative to establish the N500m State -of-the-art Agricultural Research Centre named after the Governor, is to promote innovative research in agriculture in support of the farmer governor’s vision for sustainable development needs of the State.

Saleh Ahmadu on behalf of the Late Umaru Sandah Ahmadu family appreciated the Governor for recognising and honouring their late father by naming the College of Education Minna after him 34 years after his demise, saying that the gesture showcases the value the governor places on the legacy of their father and reassured that the foundation will continue to support educational Institutions in the State.

In a concept note delivered by the Vice Chairman,  Saleh Ahmadu Foundation, Dr. Jummai Zainab Umar Sandah Ahmadu said, “the agric research center when completed is expected to align with the agricultural revolution of the  Governor, expand the legacy of the College as a source for highly skilled workforce and expand job creation and wealth generation opportunities within the agricultural value chain”.

Dr. Zainab included that the Research Centre will channel advanced knowledge and technology into the agricultural sector as the Centre will be equipped with a network infrastructure that will provide platform for new frontiers in agric technology, and become an affiliate of larger agricultural research outfits within and outside the country, as part of a global ecosystem.

In their separate goodwill messages, Speaker Niger State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Muhammad Auna, Commissioner for Agriculture, Isah Sidi Rijau and the Deputy Provost, Dr. Umar Sandah Ahmadu College of Education Minna, Dr. Hauwa Kulu Saba described the project as a milestone achievement that will enhance the agricultural revolution in the state.

Meanwhile, highlight of the event was the official groundbreaking ceremony performed by the farmer governor for the Research Centre expected to be completed in 18 months.