House of Reps move to establish agric institute in Edo
A bill seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ebele, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday, passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by the member representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, Edo State, Marcus Onobun; the bill seeks to provide training and research in various fields of agriculture.
Recall that the bill was first read on the floor of the Green Chamber on October 18, 2025.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Mr Onobun said, “Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economic development of a country; that is to say, it is the backbone of a nation’s economy. In addition to providing food and raw materials for industries, it also provides employment opportunities to a large percentage of a nation’s population.
“The College of Agriculture, Ebele, which this bill proposes, is a training and research institute which will engage in the advancement and promotion of the education of scholars in different fields of agriculture needed in the development of the agricultural sector of our economy.
“The establishment of this College of Agriculture will help mitigate the challenges presently confronting our nation through the various programmes that will be offered at the college.
“This bill has the potential of reducing youth restiveness as the college will provide opportunities for our youths to get involved in research and academic activities that will keep them busy, thereby preventing them from engaging in unproductive ventures that will impact negatively on the society.”
While calling on federal lawmakers to support the proposed legislation, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker argued that if passed into law, the bill has the potential to provide employment opportunities for Nigerians to either work as lecturers or as administrative staff in the college.
“Similarly, the host community will also benefit indirectly from the economic activities that will be generated when the college comes into full operation.
“The people of Ebele are excited about this bill and in the expression of their excitement, have magnanimously made available a large expanse of land for the construction of the college,” he added.
