At a time when Nigerian universities have been widely criticised for not investing in research, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki has taken the bull by the horn by registering an agro-based limited liability company.
The newly registered agro-based company is expected to move the rice foundation seed production project of the biotechnology research and development centre of the university to greater heights, and to ultimately proffer solution to the looming hunger crisis in the country through an exponential production of rice and other crops.
The company, EBSU Agribusiness Enterprises, is committed to the development, production and distribution of improved seeds of different crop varieties to farmers.
At present, the company is concentrating on the production of foundation seeds of rice, in addition to consultancy services on agric related matters.
According to the pioneer of the company, Dr. Happiness OgbaOselebe, “the company would achieve most of its mandate through determination and committed service, and collaborate with the National Agricultural Seed Council NASC, Nigeria, and other relevant organisations to achieve set out objectives.
“Last year, The honorable minister for agriculture graciously awarded a contract for the supply of 44MT of rice foundation seeds to EBSU Agribusiness Enterprises Limited. The Company has duly signed the contract agreement and has supplied the seeds, now awaiting payment. With this encouragement, the company has registered her out-growers and can boast of about 200ha for 2013 planting season.
“This translates to about 600MT of foundation seeds at 3 tonnes per hectre at the end of 2013 planting season. Accordingly, the company is helping the Out-growers with mechanized land preparation to ensure production.
EBSU Agribusiness Enterprises Limited obtains Breeder seeds from the national Cereals Research Institute, NCRI, Badeggi.
The company which has been in operation since last year has eventually been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC with Registration No: RC 1065985. It was pioneered by Dr. Happiness OgbaOselebe.
Others on the board of the company are: Prof OgbonnayaOgbu, Prof Ekumankama, and Mr Chris Ngwuta.