******FUTO Alumni: Summit Aimed at Proffering Solutions To Food Insecurity In Nigeria – kedienhon.
*********FUTO Alumni, Delta State Chapter Makes Case For Technology- Based Farming (Precision Farming) System
*********Embarks On Community Services; Provides Foodstuffs, Waste Bags To Vulnerable Deltans.
By Victor Bieni, Asaba
Dr. Martins Kedienhon, The Chairman, Alumni Association of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Delta State Chapter, has said that FUTO Alumni aimed at proffering solutions to food insecurity through technology-based, or precision farming system as group embarks on Community Service; provides foodstuffs, waste bags to vulnerable Deltans in her just concluded recent Summit in Delta State.
Our reporter learned this from Dr. Martins Kedienhon FUTO Alumni Delta State Chairman today, being on Saturday, August 31, 2024, as he briefed media on the outcome of the Summit, commends award recipients on distinguished excellence & Patronship
Dr. Kedienhon then commended the award recipients such as His Excellency, Engr. Emetu Ikenchukwu; the Deputy Governor of Abia State, High Chief Kestin Pondi; the MD of Tantita security services, and others. He also commended those unveiled as alumni patrons such as Rt. Hon Julius Pondi; Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Engr. Samuel Adjoagbe; Former EDP of NDDC, Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor; Former Delta State Commissioner For Culture & Tourism, Odega J.I Odega; CEO J.B Octopus Integrated Services, Engr. Aghomishe Kingsley; Seplat Energy PLC.
According to the renowned social development expert, the summit was anchored on the theme: “Harnessing Emerging Technology For Inclusive Economic Growth; Leveraging AI & Agriculture.” He commended dignitaries that graced the occasion as he stated that this was a momentous occasion.
Dr. Kedienhon while thanking God for the success of the event, then commended the awardees and Patrons of FUTO Alumni, Delta State Chapter for their unwavering commitment to the community and Course of the less privilege Deltans, support to the growth and development of humanity at large, he noted further that the event had availed the group the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, engaged in meaningful discussions, shared values, a renewed commitment towards supporting each other, build a stronger more Alumni community, collaborative Initiatives aimed at advancing the association’s mission and impact.
In his words: “FUTO Alumni Association, Delta State Chapter on 16th of August 2024, under the distinguished chairmanship of Engr Emetu Ikechukwu, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, who is also an Alumnus of FUTO held a successful summit in Delta State. We also featured the unveiling of the alumni patrons such as: Rt. Hon Julius Pondi, member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Engr Samuel Adjoagbe; Former EDP NDDC, Engr Lawrence Ejiofor; Board Director DLA, Odega J.I, Odega; CEO JB Octopus Integrated Services Ltd, Engr Aghomishe Kingsley; Project Manager Seplat Energy PLC.
“The theme of the summit is Harnessing Emerging Technology for Inclusive Economic Growth; Leveraging AI and Agriculture. The event was graced by alumni members across the country and government functionaries such as the Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Higher Education, among others. The Keynote Speaker, who is a professor in the Department of Geo-Infomatics at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Professor Christopher Onosemuode delivered a lecture on ‘Precision Farming’, which he said is an information and technology based farm management system which enable production efficiency. Professor Onosemuode, during the lecture, has urged farmers to embrace the modern system of farming to improve product quality, foster efficient use of chemicals, soil management, and lots more. “
“More light was thrown on the topic by Mr Daniel Ijeh, who is the Managing Director of EA Daniel farms. He is also an alumnus of FUTO. He gave practical views of the need to prioritize technology in farming for increased productivity. The Host of the Summit, Dr. Martins Kedienhon doubles as the Chairman of the State Chapter of FUTO Alumni Association. The discussions were aimed at identifying solutions to the current challenge of hunger and food insecurity in the country. The participants who graced the occasion during the interactive sessions had called on farmers to adopt precision farming systems for efficient farm management and increased yields. Also, the lecture was anchored on the need to leverage artificial intelligence to boost production”.
“FUTO Alumni Association, Delta State Chapter had urged local, state & federal governments to provide grants to farmers to enable them to embark on initiative due to the expensive nature of technology based farming systems. Prior to the Summit, the alumni carried out community environmental management sensitization and charity programs in the Effurun market in Uvwie LGA Market and Ogbogonogo market in Asaba We shared free waste bags to traders and also encouraged them to trash their waste properly. Foodstuffs were also shared with people, which will help them one way or the other to feed for that day and beyond. “