By Emem Idio, Yenagoa 

A former member of the Federal House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, Preye Oseke has lauded President Bola Tinubu and Governor Douye Diri for the show of support for the gradual take-off of the Federal College of Agriculture (FCA) Ogboinbiri, Bayelsa State.

Oseke confirmed that the journey of the institution has climaxed with the granting of take-off approval by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and the appointment of the college management team by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.

The ex-rep in a statement on Tuesday also commended the efforts of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen.Kyari and Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamela and described the journey of the institution as a slow but progressive ride.

He said: “My heartfelt gratitude is extended to my boss and leader, RT Hon Femi Gbajabiamela, Chief of staff to Mr President, whose guidance and foresight birthed the vision of FCA Ogboinbiri Bayelsa state, with the singular desire to build alternative human capacity in agricultural skills and agro-business in one of the major Niger Delta oil and gas host communities”

“The vision is also looking beyond fossil fuel and the drive for energy mix in the foreseeable future. While congratulating the new provost of FCA Ogboinbiri Bayelsa State, Dr Ibrahim Haruna Manta and his team, the entire people of Ogboinbiri extends their gratitude to the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria,  ARCN, DR Adamu Abubakar Dabban.”

Recalled that the bill, which amends the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 had made provision for the establishment of Federal College of Agriculture Ogboinbiri, Bayelsa State as duly passed by both arms of the National Assembly, ultimately receiving presidential assent on 26th May 2023.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2023) which was sponsored by Hon. Preye Influence Oseke, while he was member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.