The Senate has passed for second reading, two bills seeking to establish a Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Aboh (Delta state, and Araromi Obu (Ondo state), respectively.
The bills are sponsored by Senators Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta North); and Nicholas Tofowomo (PDP, Ondo South).
Nwaoboshi in his lead debate said that Aboh, which is a part of the Ndokwa ethnic action in Delta state, holds huge deposits of crude oil and gas resources.
According to the lawmaker, Ndokwa is a major contributor to the national economy, in addition to generating 480 Megawatts from the Okpai Independent Gas Power Plant.
He lamented that despite the immense contribution of the Ndokwa federal constituency to the Nigerian economy, it continues to suffer neglect.
“Mr. President, each day that this institution is not in existence is a disservice to this country and, I must say, a continuation of a historical pattern of systemic abandonment of the peace-loving people of Ndokwa who give their best for the good of all.
“They want this institution. They deserve it. Let us give it to them. It will promote national development and harmony”, Nwaoboshi said.
He added that the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh, was in response to the federal government’s policy to establish a university with specialisations in agriculture in every geo-political zone.
“The South-south geo-political zone does not have one yet. Therefore, the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Aboh is for the South-south region in line with this equitable policy,” he said.
Nwaoboshi stated that the institution, when established, would be a centre of excellence with specialised research and study interests in the immense natural endowments in Ndokwa and beyond.
He assured that the Ndokwa people in Aboh have offered to donate a large expanse of land in excess of 100 hectares in Aboh for the development of the main campus of the university.
Contributing to the debate, the Deputy Senate President lamented the marginalisation of the Ndokwa people, adding that the federal constituency remains the only constituency without the presence of a higher institution in Delta state.
“The Ndokwa Federal Constituency produces so much to the economy of this country, not just by way of oil and gas deposits.
“Indeed, in the entire West Africa, it is Otorogun in my constituency and Okpai that hosts the highest gas deposits in the entire coast.
“Mr. President, notwithstanding this contribution, there is nothing in that Federal Constituency that is in any way commensurate with their contributions to the economy of this country.
“The perception on the street in the federal constituency is that the government is indeed very wicked to them. Therefore, Mr. President, by bringing this bill, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi seeks to correct that perception.”
