Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential Key to Economic Growth, Say Experts at FULAFIA Festschrift Presentation

By Tukura Matthew

Nigeria boasts of vast fertile agricultural land and a hardworking population capable of driving the nation’s economic growth and development to greater heights. This was the consensus among speakers at a festschrift presentation titled *“Examining the Role of Agriculture as a Driver of Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria,”* held at the multi-purpose hall of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA).

The speakers emphasized that if effectively managed, Nigeria’s abundant resources could support a thriving agricultural industry, ensuring self-sufficiency in food production, providing raw materials for industries, creating employment opportunities, and generating foreign exchange through exports. However, they cautioned that realizing this potential depends on sound policy formulation and implementation, urging the government to prioritize practical and sustainable agricultural policies.

Chairman of the event, Barrister Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza, highlighted the critical role of the agricultural sector in Nigeria’s growth and development. He called on government officials at all levels to invest heavily in agriculture by providing modern training and the latest technologies to farmers. Envulu-Anza also praised the Vice Chancellor of FULAFIA, Professor Shehu Abdul-Rahman, describing him as a seasoned administrator and exceptional leader.

During the event, the festschrift reviewers, including Professor Folorunsho Abiodun Ajayi, Lead Editor Professor Ilemona Adofu, Dr. Stella Ojone Adejor, and Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim Jaji, commended Professor Abdul-Rahman for his significant contributions to the university’s development. These contributions include the establishment of the Colleges of Postgraduate Studies and Medicine. The Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, HRH Justice Muhammad Sidi Bage (retired), represented by HRH Sangari Shabu, also lauded the Vice Chancellor’s efforts. Other dignitaries, such as Alhaji Mahmud Bwala and former Rector of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Dr. Silas Gyar, joined in celebrating Professor Abdul-Rahman’s achievements.

The festschrift presentation was organized to honor Professor Shehu Abdul-Rahman’s outstanding contributions to academia and agricultural sector development in Nigeria. Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Aleruchi Chuku, Professor Abdul-Rahman expressed gratitude to the university’s management, staff, and students for their unwavering support. He pledged to uphold and enhance the institution’s core values of innovation, excellence, and integrity.

Professor Amos Idzi Ambo, Chairman of the Planning Committee, thanked all contributors for the success of the event. The occasion drew attendees from within and outside the university community, including a large turnout of economics students from FULAFIA’s Economics Department.