By Felix-Joe Chibunkem
©COOUNewS, 2024.
On Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University welcomed a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, the Managing Director, Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA).
Mr. Iloghalu explained that the ECOWAS Commission was in Anambra State to graduate the 150 Youths trained on Table Fish Production *Business* by coordination of the Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency as sponsored by the ECOWAS Commission. He further stated that the Commission visited the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to explore areas of further partnership in other to see how they could extend the hands of fellowship to the University, particularly in the area of Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chain development.
The Ag Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr , alongside other university officials, greeted the ECOWAS delegation, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. Professor Omenugha highlighted the university’s keen interest in agricultural initiatives, particularly in Fisheries and Aquaculture development, expressing a desire to establish Fish Production facilities on campus. She emphasized the importance of empowering and supporting youths and women in agriculture, leveraging the university’s massive land resources.
Speaking to COOUNewS, Professor Omenugha reiterated the university’s commitment to addressing food security challenges, not only within the campus but also in the broader community and state. In her words,
“…We are looking for a way to commercialize and make this University create food opportunities and make sure we have zero hunger not just in the University but beyond even in Anambra State and the nation. Excitingly, ECOWAS came today, and we are already thinking about how we can do this. What is important for us is that beyond what we do as a University, we have young people all over the University. This university has about 23,000 students. Hence, we are thinking of how Agriculture can be big business how to get young people attracted to agriculture, and how we can leverage technology to make it easier for the young ones. Excitingly, ECOWAS is offering that as they have organized capacity building for other universities and other places. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University is ready to tap into it and make sure our University community keys in. I thank the Managing Director, FABDA, Mr. Iloghalu and his team for remembering the COOU and this is the message we have for ndi Anambra to think of this university because we have no other one to call our own…”
In response, the leader of the ECOWAS Team, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, expressed excitement about the potential collaboration and the opportunities it presents for youth empowerment and development. She recognized the vast potential within the university, beyond Fisheries and Aquaculture, for promoting employment and sustainable agricultural practices. She pledged to explore avenues for collaboration and invited stakeholders to witness firsthand the possibilities within Anambra State so that Africans can feed themselves in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of “No Poverty” and “No Hunger”.
Acknowledging the shared vision for agricultural development and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, Commissioner Massandje Toure-Litse commended Professor Omenugha’s leadership and the university’s commitment to driving positive change in the sector.
