Nigeria has taken over the China–Aided Nigeria Demonstration Centre Project, Bwari, Abuja, with Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri saying that agricultural technology would enhance production, boost revenue and revolutionize the sector.
Speaking during the handing over/taking over ceremony of the centre, Shehuri stated the Project would ensure the transition from the small scale production model to a specialized commercial agricultural model.
The Minister of State, represented by the Director, Department of Rural Development, Engr. Udo Daniel, revealed that the objectives of the project was to provide and transfer advanced technology to the Nigerian youths as an enterprise, training of local farmers in advanced technology to enhance productivity and wellbeing of Nigerian farmers.
He added that it would train farmers on agro-processing technology, cultivating their interest in becoming micro and small scale entrepreneurs geared towards owning their agri-business.
Shehuri noted that “the history of this project dated 10th July 2013 while the actual construction work started in 2021 and was completed on 10th October, 2022 after series of documentations.
He added that the facilities at the centre are of world class and includes Agricultural Technology Training and Research centres, Processing and Exhibition Centers; Irrigation Facilities and Farmland Demonstration”.
In his remarks the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clement Agba, represented by Mrs. Fatima Sheji, said that “the bilateral relation between the two countries started way back in 1971 and has maintained cordial relationship that brought about so many developmental activities across the country.”
In his welcome address, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jian Chun said that “his country will continue to strengthen the bilateral relation with Nigeria in terms of military, electricity and agricultural development in order to improve and ensure food and security in the country.”
He revealed that the farm produce ranges from hybrid rice, beans, cassava, yam and corn among others with modern mechanized farm equipment to ease process between planting and harvesting period.
Earlier, in his goodwill message, Chairman Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, represented by Supervising Councilor for Environment and Forestry, Salihu Mathew, said that “Bwari Area Council has been a very peaceful community where all strangers are welcomed including foreigners regardless of where they come and that it is a singular honour to have this type of development in his territory.”
Highlight of the Event was the Handing over/ Taking over of the China –Aid Nigeria Demonstration Center, Project as well as a guided tour of the project by HMS Representative.
In attendance were Representative of the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Directors in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chinese Officials among other stakeholders.
The Project covers an area of 31.38 hectares with a total area of 3,521.55 square meters for each building and about 20,000 square meters for the access road of the park and supporting construction works at elevated area on both sides of the Dam.