Former Nigeria economic adviser berates FG over dependence on World Bank aid

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Erstwhile Nigeria Economic Adviser, Prof. Ode Ojowu has frowned at the over dependence of assistance from the World Bank and other international Financial Agencies by the Federal government to settle economic issues.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Benue State University Center for Food Technology and Research, CEFTER, Prof. Ode averred that the over reliance of grant or loans from World Bank which will be eventually paid back, is poor economic planning.
He said FG should resort to promoting, encouraging and partnering local entrepreneurship as well as centers like CEFTER to boost food security in the country.
“The tension, anxieties in the country is based on food. Food inflation is a driver of the economy. CEFTER stands to resolve this challenge faced by many families.
“I urge the Federal and State governments to collaborate with the Center to sustain food sufficiency and security. By 2025 when the sponsors World Bank withdraws, it behooves on the State government and FG to ensure sustenance of the program.
Also speaking, BSU’s Vice Chancellor,Prof. Tor Joe Iorapuu announced that the institution will commence an agricultural faculty as way of sustaining the achievements recorded by CEFTER.
He said the CEFTER project has confirmed regional and global focus with over 30 foreign students from over 10 countries from West and Central African Region studying in different programs at the post Graduate level in the university.
Prof. Iorapuu noted that the successes achieved by the Center is a function of the World Bank intervention,adding that other strategic collaboration in the execution of the African Center for Excellence, ACE1 to ACE -IMPACT come from AFD France,the National Universities Commission, NUC and Association of African Universities, AAU
On his part, Chairman of occasion who doubles as Adviser of CEFTER, Prof. Paul Sorkaa said it has achieved significant milestone in attracting African Center Excellence, ACE funds worth 12 million dollars from the World Bank and French Development Agency (FDA).
Sorkaa added that through the German Academic Excellence Funding, students from Kenya, Burundi and other African countries are studying in the center.
He said, “The Center promotes learning and entrepreneurship partnership with Institutions like University of Greenwich, UK, UNDP, Food For West Africa network that has generated 1 million dollars in the last one year”.