For Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese, the passage of two critical bills by the House of Representatives marked a watershed moment in his journey as a public servant and a passionate advocate for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. The approval of the bills for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, in Benue State, and the University of Agriculture, Ute-Ukpo, in Delta State, not only signified a legislative victory but also the realization of a lifelong dream for the legislator representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
These bills represent far more than just administrative actions for Agbese. They are the culmination of years of dedication, determination, and a vision to unlock the untapped agricultural potential of his people. Standing before his peers in the House, Agbese expressed a profound sense of fulfillment, stating, “The College of Agriculture in Agila is more than just an institution for me; it is the manifestation of a dream I have nurtured for decades. As a son of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, I have always envisioned a future where agriculture could serve as the bedrock for economic transformation in our region.”
A Vision Rooted in Passion
Born into a community where farming and agriculture were an integral part of everyday life, Agbese’s journey toward realizing this goal began in his early childhood. He often recalled his formative years spent working alongside his parents and neighbors in the fertile fields of Benue State. These experiences instilled in him a deep respect for the land and a desire to see agriculture rise beyond subsistence and become a vehicle for prosperity and innovation.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand the immense potential that agriculture holds for our people, yet we lacked the infrastructure, education, and support to fully harness it. The dream of establishing an institution like the Federal College of Agriculture in Agila was born from the understanding that education is key to unlocking this potential,” Agbese reflected. For him, this institution represents more than just a school; it is a beacon of hope for thousands of youth who can now be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive agricultural innovation and economic growth in the region.
The same applies to the University of Agriculture Ute-Ukpo in Delta State, another critical project close to Agbese’s heart. The university, which aims to serve as a hub for agricultural research and education in Nigeria, is envisioned as a center of excellence that will foster collaboration between academia, industry, and local farmers. The establishment of this university, he believes, will not only boost agricultural production but also serve as a catalyst for the sustainable development of communities in the region.
Legislative Triumph: A Dream Becomes Reality
The journey to get these bills passed, however, was not an easy one. Agbese worked tirelessly, rallying support from his colleagues, agricultural experts, community leaders, and various stakeholders. His passion for the cause was evident at every turn, and his persistence paid off when the bills were finally passed by the House of Representatives.
Standing in the chamber after the vote, Agbese could barely contain his emotion. “Today, we are one step closer to realizing a vision I have carried in my heart for many years. The establishment of these institutions will not only benefit the people of Benue and Delta States but will also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural sector and national development,” he declared.
The bills’ passage was met with widespread support, both in and outside the legislative chamber. Agbese was quick to acknowledge the critical role played by his colleagues, especially the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CON, who provided steadfast leadership throughout the legislative process. Agbese also extended his gratitude to the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, and the entire House Committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions for their unwavering support.
But perhaps the most heartfelt thanks were reserved for his constituents in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, and the community leaders who stood by him throughout the process. “This victory is not mine alone,” Agbese remarked. “It belongs to the people who believed in this vision and supported it from the very beginning. Their encouragement, guidance, and trust have fueled my passion to serve, and I remain committed to empowering our communities and fostering sustainable development for generations to come.”
The Path to Transformation
The Federal College of Agriculture in Agila and the University of Agriculture in Ute-Ukpo are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. These institutions will focus on providing cutting-edge education, training, and research in agriculture, empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators. Agbese envisions these institutions becoming centers of excellence that will attract students and researchers from across Nigeria and beyond, positioning the country as a leader in agricultural science and technology.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of agricultural education in today’s world,” Agbese said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and with the right education, our youth can revolutionize this sector. These institutions will equip them with the skills they need to innovate, compete on a global scale, and contribute to our country’s food security and economic growth.”
Agbese’s vision for the future of Nigerian agriculture is ambitious, but he believes that with the right resources, support, and determination, it is entirely achievable. “We have the talent, the land, and the potential,” he said. “What we need is the infrastructure and the will to make it happen. These institutions are a crucial part of that equation.”
Gratitude and Dedication
In celebrating the passage of the bills, Agbese took a moment to dedicate the achievement to his family, especially his daughter, Susan Agbenu Agbese, who was about to celebrate her 10th birthday. “This victory is as much yours as it is mine,” Agbese said, addressing his daughter. “You have been my inspiration and my strength throughout this journey, and I dedicate this milestone to you. Happy birthday in advance, my darling.”
Agbese’s message of gratitude extended to all who had played a role in making this dream a reality—from the technical committee led by Prof. Hyacinth Aboh to the traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders who provided their invaluable input. “This journey has been a collective effort,” Agbese emphasized. “We could not have reached this point without the support of every individual who believed in this cause. I am deeply humbled and grateful.”
A Future Full of Promise
As the news of the bills’ passage spread, the people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo and Ute-Ukpo celebrated, knowing that this was a turning point in their quest for development. Agbese, however, was already looking ahead. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We have taken an important step, but there is much more work to be done. We must ensure that these institutions are built, funded, and supported to fulfill their potential. My commitment to this cause remains unwavering, and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our dream of agricultural transformation becomes a reality.”
For Agbese, the establishment of these institutions represents not only the fulfillment of a personal dream but also a promise to future generations. As he stood at the precipice of this monumental achievement, he was filled with optimism and hope for the future. “Together, we can create a legacy of sustainable development and empowerment for our people,” he said. “This is our time to shine, and I am confident that the best is yet to come.”
Agbese’s dream, now on the cusp of becoming a reality, symbolizes the power of perseverance, vision, and dedication. It is a testament to what can be achieved when leaders remain committed to the needs and aspirations of their people. And for Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese, the journey has only just begun.
