Friday Omosola
The Ekiti State University (EKSU), Department of Agriculture has been declared winner of the National Association of Agricultural Students Southwest Zonal Convention debate.
The debate which was part of the NASS 2021 convention activities, was held on yesterday at Obasanjo Multi-purpose hall (OBJ) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
According to the judges, Ekiti State University scored 119.5 points to defeat her closest opponent, Obafemi Awolowo University who scored 114.0 points, Olusegun Agagun University of Science and Technology with 112.5 points, University of Ibadan with 111 points, Federal University of Oye Ekiti scored 105 points, while Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko scored 75 points.
In their arguments for and against the topic, "Nigerian Border Closure; a solution to sustainable Agriculture and domestic consumption," schools' representatives spoke extensively on the implications of border closure as well as the blessings.
They argued that the border closure has provided employment opportunities and aided the rapid growth of the country's economy.
However, opposers affirmed that, despite the closure of the border and the federal government's agenda of going back to the farms, foods are still smuggled into the country, and locally produced food are sold at high prices.
In an online interview with our correspondent, the NAAS Southwest Chairman, Comrade Success Olalekan Ibitoye from Adekunle Ajasin University, said the 2021 convention is aimed at imparting the Agricultural sector of this nation, as it's clear that the 16 months border-closure has done a lot of good and has caused a rapid increase in the development of Agriculture in Nigeria.
He said, "We now eat Nigerian rice all over the country, which means the border closure has improved our domestic consumption of our local produce"
He added that, If the closure of the border should continue with time, and other measures to improve Agricultural Development are being put in place, Nigeria will a food-sufficient and surplus nation. Also, the Hunger percentage will be reduced to less than 0.5%.
Recall that on the 20th of August 2019, the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of all borders against the importation of rice and other food crops majorly.
According to the President, it was in bid to curtail the illegal importation of foodstuffs to Nigeria.
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