MARCEL MBAMALUUNIZIK’s Faculty of Agriculture Dean, Prof. Ifeyinwa Ebenebe, has responded to allegations by the Ifite-Ogwari community that the university has abandoned the 120 hectares of arable land donated to the faculty 19 years ago.
Prof. Ebenebe explained that while the land is crucial, it’s not the only factor needed for agricultural development. She emphasised that other essential factors include labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Dean highlighted that the Faculty of Agriculture has seven departments, each with unique needs. While some departments use the Ifite-Ogwari land for industrial training, others require different facilities, such as standard livestock farms or confectionery industries.
Prof. Ebenebe also addressed the infrastructure issue, stating that the faculty lacks basic facilities, including student hostels, staff quarters, and livestock buildings. She attributed this to a lack of resources, emphasizing that the faculty relies on meager financial resources and student contributions.
The Dean urged the Ifite-Ogwari leaders to collaborate with the faculty to press for necessary resources and infrastructure. She also acknowledged the theft of university properties at Ifite-Ogwari, which has hindered development efforts.
Prof. Ebenebe emphasized that agriculture requires a multifaceted approach, beyond just land availability. She called on the university and relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary support and resources to unlock the potential of the Ifite-Ogwari land and drive agricultural development.
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and entrepreneur with three decades of experience in the media industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and serves as the publisher of Prime Business Africa, a renowned multimedia news platform catering to Nigeria and Africa's socio-economic needs.
Dr. Mbamalu's journalism career spans over two decades, during which he honed his skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of senior editor. Notably, between 2018 and 2023, he collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Northeast Nigeria, training senior journalists on conflict reporting and health journalism.
Dr. Mbamalu's expertise has earned him international recognition. He was the sole African representative at the 2023 Jefferson Fellowship program, participating in a study tour of the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) on inclusion, income gaps, and migration issues.
In 2020, he was part of a global media team that covered the United States presidential election.
Dr. Mbamalu has attended prestigious media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and the Reuters/AfDB Training on "Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development in Africa."
As a columnist for The Punch Newspaper, with insightful articles published in other prominent Nigerian dailies, including ThisDay, Leadership, The Sun, and The Guardian, Dr. Mbamalu regularly provides in-depth analysis on socio-political and economic issues.
