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FUTA TRAINS CATHOLIC PRIESTS, SISTERS IN AGRIPRENEURSHIP


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  
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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.