The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jian Chun has said that China is working with Nigeria on the issue of insecurity.
China also boosted Nigeria’s effort to ensure food security by handing over a N2.805 billion agricultural demonstration centre to the Nigerian government.
Speaking at the handingover ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Chun explained that his number one interest is to see how Nigeria with the support of China is able to tackle the security challenges confronting the country.
According to Cui Chun, “I want to let you know my biggest interest here in Nigeria is “first of all security. So we are working with the Nigerian military sector and law enforcement and trying to do what we can to improve the current situation.”
Speaking on the demonstration centre, the Ambassador said it is aimed at introducing and transferring advanced agricultural technology to Nigerian farmers.
The envoy also stressed that food security is one of the country’s pillars and not agriculture.
He therefore said,” So the Chinese government is going to support Nigeria to develop and modernise agriculture.
“We need machines, we need technology. Without agriculture, the whole society cannot be stable.”
He added, “Today’s event is really very important not only for Nigeria but also for the whole African continent. It is about technology, investment, high yield seeds, and mechanisation. So the Chinese government is supporting Nigeria to develop modernised agriculture. We need machines and technology.
“This demonstration centre not only gives opportunities to farmers and government officials, but it will help deepen and broaden relationships between both countries.
“China and Nigeria have no fundamental problems. We are just looking at how we can work together. One of the best ways of doing that is through agriculture which will lift millions of people out of poverty.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri assured the Chinese government that the centre will be put to judicious use.
Shehuri who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Udoh Daniel pointed out that “Nigeria is noted to be a large and leading agricultural economy and therefore has a pressing need for an agricultural technology and development centre especially for the youths. This is what the Chinese government has seen that led to the establishment of the centre that is being handed over today.
“It is hoped that as local farmers use an advanced technology it will enhance their productivity and wellbeing. “
He also noted that the centre will be fully integrated with local agricultural production to enable agricultural technicians to adapt faster. The centre will help the beneficiaries to move from small scale production model to specialised production agricultural model and also from extensive farming to intensive production. I assure you that the Nigerian government will make good use of the centre for a more productive agricultural sector.”
The Demonstration Centre includes Agricultural technology training centre, agricultural technology research and service centre, agro-input and machinery exhibition, small scale agro-processing technology exhibition centre, power centre, photovoltaic pump water-saving irrigation system, farmland demonstration areas and as well as access road.
