By Ayodele Abere
Professor Familugba, the inaugural lecturer
A renowned professor of history, Jonathan Oluropo Familugba, has urged the Nigerian government to ensure that loans allocated to farmers are properly monitored to achieve their intended purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omojola reciting the citation of the inaugural lecturer
Delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology at the University main campus in Ikere-Ekiti, on Tuesday, Familugba emphasized the need for effective oversight to revitalize the country’s agricultural sector.
In his lecture, titled “Hunger in the land: Agricultural Policies, Crop Production and the Historical Roots of Foods Insecurity in Nigeria,” the inaugural lecturer highlighted the country’s abundant natural resources and lamented the negligible impact of agricultural policies on food crop production.
He attributed this to misplaced priorities and called on the government to address agricultural productivity holistically.
The professor recommended a national agricultural development plan, similar to that of the United States, to ensure consistency and avoid policy reversals. He also stressed the importance of empowering smallholder farmers, training Agriculture Extension Officers, and resuscitating neglected farm settlement sites to boost food production.
Familugba’s lecture was the first in the History and International Studies Unit of the Department of Liberal Arts and the seventh in the university. He emphasized that a well-planned and executed agricultural strategy is crucial to achieving food security and reducing hunger in Nigeria.
The lecture was well attended by academics, family, friends and well wishers.
