By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Centre for Agripreneur, Cooperative Research and Practices (CACORP) Management board on Thursday, 11th July 2024 paid a courtesy visit to UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu at his office.
In his address during the courtesy visit, the Director of CACORP, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji congratulated the Acting Vice-Chancellor for his appointment while stating that the visit was like familiarization and interaction based on the fact that the Ag. VC is the Chairman of the management board of the centre.
Dr. Okoroji informed that the vision of the Centre is to revolutionize the agricultural sector, to ignite innovation and to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence that transcends boundaries and transform lives. Dr. Okoroji affirmed that the CACORP envision a future where farmers can harness the power of cutting-edge technologies for sustainable farming practices with the end result being agricultural productivity to an unprecedented heights.
The scholar averred that through ground breaking research projects, technology transfer initiative and collaborative partnership, the CACORP will unlock the secrets of the soil, pioneer new methodologies and push the boundaries of what is possible in Agribusiness.
In her remarks, a member of the board and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe thanked the Acting Vice-Chancellor for receiving the management board, the scholar stated that the group will align with his vision in taking UNIZIK to greater heights.
The Dean highlighted the importance of Agripreneur in raising the capital base of the institution, she informed that the Faculty of Agriculture is presently all hands on deck in ensuring that it becomes self sustaining. Prof. Ebenebe also disclosed that the State Ministry of Agriculture gave the Faculty 1000 seedlings of coconut in the past year and they were recently given 500 seedlings of Oil Palm for plantation. She highlighted the challenges of the Faculty regarding the landed properties given to the institution by Ifite-Ogwari Community and the efforts geared towards reclaiming the land allocations and utilizing it for meaningful gain.
Also speaking, a member of the board and the University’s Governing Council, Prof. Ezinma Nnabuife called on the Acting VC to urgently look into the issue of office space allocation for the Directorate to enhance their activities and programmes that will promote agricultural practice and activities that will boost the practice of agriculture.
Responding, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu thanked the team for the courtesy visit and aligning with his vision. The Ag. VC expressed his delight with the Agripreneur project promising his full support in allocation of land for Sustainable Agriculture and provision of office space for administrative purposes.
Prof. Ikechebelu urged the Centre to work on exploring and utilizing the landed resources at Umueje especially the boundary areas in order to fully secure the lands. He highlighted his ‘BLESSED UNIZIK’ vision and HPS Squared Concept geared towards ‘Happy Productive Staff’ and ‘Happy Progressive Students’
In a vote of thanks, Prof. Frank Nwankwo once again congratulated the Ag. Vice-Chancellor for his appointment while promising that the Centre will work fully with his administration. He also disclosed that the centre will soon have its first programme and unveiling as he extended his invitation to the Ag. VC to be part of the upcoming event.
The board members also prayed for the Acting Vice-Chancellor. Also present during the courtesy visit were Dr. Ibeabuchi Uko, Dr. Janefrances Nwamaka Okoye, Dr. Taiwo Olabisi, Dr. Nkechi Nwakobi and Dr. Nkechi Ojiagu.
