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Bill To Establish Specialised Agric Institutions Passes Second Reading In House Of Reps

Published

4 months ago

May 7, 2025

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for the second reading, a bill seeking to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, by expanding its mandate to establish specialised training institutions across the country to deepen national agricultural productivity capacity.

The proposed legislation titled, “Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Certain Specialised Colleges; and for Other Related Matters,” is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and six others.

Leading the debate on its general principles of the bill, the Deputy Speaker noted that agriculture remains a vital part of Nigeria’s economy and a key driver of rural development, job creation, food security, and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Kalu said the nation continues to face glaring gaps in research and innovation, especially in regions where unique agricultural potential remains untapped due to the absence of tailored educational institutions.

Th deputy speaker said the bill seeks to bridge the gap, saying the amendment will not simply be increasing institutions, but will serve as an investment in untapped potential, and empowerment of those whose hands feed the nation.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that when the bill becomes law, it will lead to stronger agricultural research ecosystem; more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigerians; greater food security and overall economic growth.

He said, “This is not merely to introduce a legislative proposal, but to lay before this People’s House a vision — a vision to take agricultural education into the fabric of our national development strategy and effort. A vision that recognises that research and innovation must not remain in silos or city centres, but must live where the land is tilled, where the livestock roam, where the rivers run.

“Through this amendment, we are not simply adding institutions — we are answering a national call -a call to invest where there is untapped potential, to empower those whose hands feed the nation, and to deepen our national agricultural productivity capacity by expanding the mandate and reach of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria through the establishment of specialised training institutions in various parts of our great nation by establishing certain specialised agricultural colleges in strategic locations across the six geo-political zones.”

He further explained that the bill seeks to amend the Third Schedule of the Principal Act to provide for the establishment of specialised colleges of agriculture, among them, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Bende, Abia State; Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Takum, Adamawa State; Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Others are Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dange Shuni, Sokoto State and Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Olamaboro, Kogi State.

Related Topics:House of Representatives House of Reps Reps

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

9 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.