Some Catholic Priests from various Dioceses in Nigeria have earned certificates in Agripreneurship at
the Federal University of Technology Akure. The ceremony took place at the T. I. Francis auditorium of
the University. Presenting the certificates in the presence of the Chairman, Governing Council, Senator
Joseph Waku, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape urged the Reverend fathers and sisters
to see it as value addition to their ministries. He said God detest laziness and thus he encouraged the
FUTA NEWS
Priests to see the achievements as part of ministry wherein they can impact their congregation.
Speaking at the occasion the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, the Right Reverend Jude Arogundade
congratulated the graduands and said it is a great day for the Catholic Mission in Nigeria and the
beginning of greater things to come. He said the programme is all about empowerment of the youth in
the country, stating that they have come to learn and offer solutions to some of the challenges of the
society. Right Reverend Arogundade thanked the organizers, Pontifical Missions Society (PMS)
Nigerian and prayed for their continuous growth in the area of empowering individuals and groups.
Also delivering a speech the PMS National Director and National Coordinator, Mission Agriculture
Initiatives Nigeria, Rev. FR. George Ajana said with nostalgia he remembers when the graduands were
first introduced to the programme on the 13th of December, 2017 at the seminar organized in DRACC
Abuja. He said the first phase of the agriculture programme has been completed, urging them not to
forget all they have learnt. He reminded the awardees that they would be getting foreign loans for their
projects and implored them to ensure that the projects succeed. He particularly thanked Professor
Olaniyi Okunlola for his expertise in the area of agriculture and his commitment at ensuring that
knowledge is imparted.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ondo State, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati congratulated and
commended the effort of the Catholic Priests. He said the back to land policy of the state government is
the approach every well-meaning government should imbibe in this era of dwindling price in petroleum
products. He assured the Catholic Farmers of the support of his Ministry and Ondo State in terms of
finance and technical component. He thanked the Management of FUTA for always being partners in
progress with the state.
Speaking in the same vein, Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship (CENT), Professor Ayo Ajayi and
Mission Agric expert, Professor Olaniyi Okunlola congratulated the graduands for a job well done. They
thanked the University Management for making FUTA a home to the Priest during their period of
studentship. They implored the Priests to impart what they have learnt on their congregation and make
utmost use of the opportunity offered.
Responding on behalf of the graduands, Sister Catherine Adelegan said she feels honoured to be part
of this pioneer class and expressed gratitude to the Almighty for making it possible. She described
FUTA environment as second to none, as they were made to feel at home all through the training. She
assured the organizers that the graduands will not disappoint in proffering solutions to challenges in the
agricultural sector in their various Dioceses.