Good Governance Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (GGMCS), whose membership cuts across different parts of the world, was established a few years ago in Anambra State with the core mandate of contributing to food security in Alaigbo.
Since its establishment, the Cooperative has continued to engage and collaborate with individuals who are passionate about agriculture. It has also made several efforts to secure agricultural land, including engagements with government institutions and relevant stakeholders.
The Cooperative has, however, observed with concern that many communities are increasingly involved in land speculation, a development that has fueled persistent land disputes across several communities. Government has also failed to make agriculture sufficiently attractive to young people.
As a result, a large percentage of energetic youths are gradually losing interest in agriculture as a profession, thereby worsening unemployment and increasing involvement in internet fraud and other social vices.
In developed societies, governments deliberately incentivize food production in recognition of food as the first basic need of man. Such incentives include employment opportunities within mechanized farm settlements, scholarships for agricultural studies, attractive wage structures, provision of modern farm equipment, access to fertilizers and agrochemicals, as well as designated agricultural zones and farmland support schemes.
Open grazing remains another major obstacle to successful farming. Although an anti-open grazing law exists in Anambra State, it is difficult to understand why the law has not been fully enforced. Herds of cattle continue to invade and destroy farmlands, causing devastating losses to farmers and discouraging agricultural investment.
There is also a growing concern over the relationship between open grazing and insecurity, particularly kidnapping activities within forests and bushes. Government must therefore urgently address communal land disputes and security challenges that continue to discourage genuine agricultural development and investment.
It is in line with GGMCS’ commitment to achieving food security in the state that we identify with the laudable initiative of Prof. Kate Omenugha in establishing a world-class Centre of Agro-Excellence in partnership with HKSS.
According to a statement released by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze:The statement reads;
“The initiative is strongly focused on transforming students from theoretical learners into globally competitive, solution-driven professionals capable of delivering excellence in modern agriculture, agribusiness, food systems, and innovation.
The fully irrigated Agro Park and Centre of Agro-Excellence is strategically designed as a practical learning and research hub where students, lecturers, researchers, and industry practitioners can acquire hands-on experience aligned with global best practices in modern agronomy and sustainable agriculture.
HKSS’ intervention is multidisciplinary and multidimensional, reflecting a strong commitment to food sustainability, mechanized agriculture, innovation, youth empowerment, and institutional capacity building.
Current projects within the HKSS Agro Park facility include: 5 hectares of Hybrid Plantain Orchard, 5 hectares of HYV Hybrid Moringa Oleifera MOMAX-3, 2 hectares of Super Habanero Pepper Orchard, 2 hectares of Cucumber and Watermelon Production Scheme, and Bell Pepper Production within five Smart Farm Greenhouse Units.
This initiative is not merely conceptual. It is action-oriented, impact-driven, and excellence-focused. The COOU-HKSS Agro Park stands as a model agricultural transformation centre dedicated to raising a new generation of agripreneurs, researchers, innovators, and professionals equipped to solve real-world agricultural challenges across Nigeria and Africa.”
GGM Cooperative Society is delighted to identify with this initiative and hopes that this model will be replicated across idle spaces across the state, especially within public schools from primary to tertiary levels.
There are no longer enough white-collar jobs to absorb the growing population of graduates, while employment opportunities within government establishments have become increasingly limited. Government must therefore discourage overdependence on certificate-based education and instead promote practical, productivity-driven education capable of driving agro-industrial development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
Parents should also avoid investing enormous resources in forms of education that merely produce certificates without corresponding practical or economic value. The future belongs to innovation, mechanized agriculture, entrepreneurship, and skills-based education that empowers young people to become productive contributors to society.
Ndubuisi Anaenugwu
President, GGMCS
ggmcooperative2021@gmail.com
