Okowa, Zulum Task Agricultural Engineers To Revamp Sector BY FELIX IGBEKOYI, Asaba

Governors Babagana Zulum and Ifeanyi Okowa of Borno and Delta states have tasked agricultural engineers to come up with innovative technological solutions to revamp the agricultural sector.

The governors gave the charge in Asaba, Delta State during the 42nd annual general meeting and 22nd international conference of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).

The occasion was held with the theme: Innovative Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Development for Economic Transformation and Food Security.

Dr. Okowa represented by Dr. Godfrey Erutan, pledged to cooperate with the institution on areas of mutual interest, while Prof. Babagana Mohammed who represented Prof. Zulum, noted that the Borno State government sponsored 35 engineers to the conference and announced the immediate transfer of N10m to support efforts by NIAE to upgrade agricultural practice in Nigeria.

While Governor Okowa urged the institution to focus on exploring technologies for small, medium and large scale food production, Governor Zulum assured that the fund would be transferred instantly to the account of NIAE.

The national chairman of NlAE, Prof. Akindele Alonge, inaugurated the Book of Standards to regulate agro-engineering activities to stimulate sector for greater productivity.

According to Alonge, NIAE is poised to keep having standards every year.

Similarly, the president, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Gidari-Wudil Saad, represented by Mr. Isaac Olorunfemi, spoke on the origins of the standards as an idea by the NSE geared towards revamping the nations agricultural sector.