By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Olaoye Oyewole
A don in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Luke Okojie has urged the Federal Government (FG) to enforce green growth strategies in agriculture to enhance foreign exchange earnings and address pressing macroeconomic challenges in the country.
Prof. Okojie said this today, January 8, 2025, at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building while delivering FUNAAB’s 97th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Agriculture and Inclusive Green Growth Strategy in a Distressed Economy: A Giant Leap for Sustainable Development.”
Highlighting the transformative potential of green growth strategies in agriculture, Prof. Okojie, a distinguished expert in Agricultural Development and Environmental Economics, emphasised that the implementation would unlock Nigeria’s potential for sustainable economic growth, environmental conservation, and social development. The University’s 97th Inaugural Lecturer noted that embracing the approach would equally free up resources for national development while positioning Nigeria as a key hub for carbon trading.
Prof. Okojie further revealed that Nigeria has the potential to become a prime destination for carbon trade, given its competitive edge with lower costs compared to other African nations. He stressed that such recognition could attract significant investments and generate new revenue streams for the country.
To ensure environmental sustainability, the 97th Inaugural Lecturer of the University, urged the government to establish strict emission standards for cement dust pollution in farming areas and enforce the “Polluter Pays Principle” through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
He also advocated for greater accessibility to quality recreational centres and ecotourism sites, arguing that such facilities should not be treated as luxury goods. “Providing access to these amenities will enable citizens to rest, recharge, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
Prof. Okojie also highlighted the importance of rural infrastructure development as a complement to urban advancements, noting that improved infrastructure directly correlates with poverty reduction and enhanced food production. He, therefore, called for the integration of digital technology in agricultural enterprise combinations to ensure environmentally sustainable practices while driving economic growth.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended Prof. Okojie for his significant contributions to the fields of Agricultural Development and Environmental Economics, describing the Lecturer as a guru whose work has greatly benefited the nation.
