Chief Emeka Anyaoku, CON
Former Secretary-General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku has described agriculture as a key feature in Nigeria’s economy.
Chief Anyaoku disclosed this on Wednesday, at the 2012 Yam Roasting Festival held at the Teaching and Research Farm Directorate (TREFAD) Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
He stated that agriculture is a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that the wealth of the people of this country largely depends on it.
The renowned Diplomat said that the country is fortunate to have a University of Agriculture which focuses on research, admonishing the University to see its products as additional income.
Chief Anyaoku noted that the tropical cows the University rears are the typical ones used in traditional ceremonies in the eastern part of the country.
Chief Anyaoku thanked Chief Olusegun Osunkeye for inviting him at the instance of the Vice-Chancellor, adding that he is leaving FUNAAB with excellent memories, while he promised to graciously honour such invitations if extended to him in future.
He stated that Egbaland is not unfamiliar to him, because his wife hails from Ake adding that coming to Abeokuta is always a source of joy to him and his family.
Chief Anyaoku who disclosed that he had bagged 32 honorary degrees from different universities across the world, said FUNAAB was the first specialised University to honour him with one.
In his address, the Chairman, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Oshunkeye, described the festival as a promotion of interaction and relationship between the town and gown.
The seasoned industrialist said there is a compelling reason for the Town and Gown to meet and brainstorm regularly in order for the nation to move forward.
According to him, the Town which are people like him would put commercial ideas into the research and teachings of the Gown.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole stated that the importance of Yam (Dioscorea spp) as food crop cannot be overemphasized in Nigeria, adding that it serves not only as a staple food but also as cash crop.