Thailand Recognizes Federal Cooperative College Oji River for Sustainable Agri-Tech Innovation
Introduction to the Thai-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre
The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, located in Enugu State, Nigeria, has recently received a significant recognition from the Thai Government. It has been certified to host the Thai-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre. This initiative is part of a South-South Collaborative Framework that involves multiple stakeholders, including the Federal Cooperative College Oji River (FCCO), Kasetsart University in Thailand (KU), and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).
This incubation centre serves as a demonstration farm with the primary goal of training millions of Nigerian youths in sustainable mechanised agriculture. The project aims to achieve food sufficiency and food security within the country.
The Thai Delegation's Visit and Their Vision
A delegation from Thailand, which included Prof. Kornsorn Srikulnath of Kasetsart University, Senior Adviser at TICA Mr. Sorawud Preedeedilok, and other notable members, visited the Federal Cooperative College. The delegation was led by His Excellency Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, the Thailand Ambassador to Nigeria. During their visit, they described the college as a fertile ground for such investments, highlighting the potential of the flagship project to expose Nigeria and Africa to sustainable aquaculture and other aspects of agriculture through mechanisation.
The Thai Ambassador emphasized that the government of Thailand initiated aquaculture and sustainable aquaculture in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria has been identified as a key priority country, and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, was carefully selected as the starting point for the sustainable aquaculture project.
Expanding the Project for Broader Impact
Mongkolnavin also mentioned that the project would be further developed and expanded as a model for other parts of Nigeria and the ECOWAS subregion. The aim of the visit was to conduct a site survey of the institution and explore opportunities for practical cooperation. The ambassador assured the college management that they would ensure the project is realized.
The Role of the Federal Cooperative College
Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, the Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Cooperative College, conducted the Thailand delegation around the project site, the college’s artisan natural water source, and other facilities. He assured that the institution is ready for the sustainable collaboration between the college and Thailand.
Obidiegwu expressed optimism that when time and technology are invested in the project, the land allocated for the project would be turned into a productive venture. He added that the centre would serve as a hub for training and development.
A Historical and Strategic Initiative
The Provost dedicated the Thai-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre to millions of Nigerians who would be trained there. He described the project as historical and a boost to the nation’s food security. Additionally, he believes that people from across West Africa will access the centre for research purposes and sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Thai-Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices in Nigeria and beyond. With the support of Thailand, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on food security and sustainable development in the region. As the project progresses, it is expected to become a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Africa.