Nigerian-American climate scientist Professor Jimmy Adegoke has called on the federal government to transform river Niger and Benue into a workable rivers through massive investment in mechanized farming to feed the nation and boost the economy.
Adegoke an emeritus professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) where he served as Chair of the department of geosciences from 2008-2010 but retired recently made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 10th distinguished public lecture series of the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State on the theme “A tale of two cities: Climate threats and economic opportunities at the confluence of the great rivers Niger and Benue” held at Felele campus of the institution.
According to him, Nigeria has a lot that can be harness to uplift the nation’s economy, noting that one of such opportunities is agriculture.
He stated that the two major rivers (Niger and Benue) if proper utilized is capable of feeding the nation and other part of African countries aside it’s economic advantages.
The university don pointed out that the federal government can construct more dams for the purpose of irrigations where farmers can grow crops all year round without necessarily depending on the rain fall that can only last for three or four months.
“The federal government can take the advantage of the rivers in the country and create water retention system by slowing down the flow of the water then create dams across parts of the country and that will provide enough water for year round agricultural activities.
“For instance , rice are mostly planted once in a year in most part of Nigeria. Corn and other food items that can be harvested within three or four months are cultivated once a year which is one season. There is nothing that stop us in Nigeria from having three seasons of corn, beans because they only last for three months from planting to harvest.
The only limiting factor is that our agriculture is dependant on rain fall and agricultural activities are concentrated around the rain. In some part of the country rain lasted for about three months which is June, July, August which is a brake and September the rain is gone.
“Government should build small dams for agricultural purposes so that Nigerian farmers can have water for all year round farming activities and there will be massive food production.
Speaking further, Professor Adegoke averred that where there is no vision there can never be development, he therefore called on Nigerians especially leaders to imbibe the spirit of personal culture of excellence that can take the country to another level of economic and infrastructural development.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja Professor Olayemi Akinwumi described the theme of the lecture “A Tale of Two Cities: Climate Threats and Economic Opportunities at the Confluence of the Great Rivers Niger and Benue,” as both timely and significant, especially as it touches on issues central to north central region of Nigeria and the world at large.
The Vice Chancellor stated that at Federal University Lokoja, they believe that fostering dialogue on critical topics such as climate change can lead to informed actions that positively impact society, noting that through this type of platform, they can fulfill their role as an academic institution and not only in generating knowledge but in shaping conversations that can transform communities.
“As a university, we are committed to advancing research that addresses the real-world challenges our communities face. The environmental threats posed by climate change require urgent attention, and we are striving to contribute to solutions through academic research, policy recommendations, and community engagement.
“We believe that through collaboration with government agencies, industry leaders, and the public, we can address these issues effectively and sustainably” he stated.
