By Nathan Nwakamma

The Federal University of Agriculture Support Group says it has raised N232 million to support the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambiri, Bayelsa.

The Coordinator, Dr Ala-Peters David, said at a fundraiser in Yenagoa that the gesture was to ensure that the federal university took-off without delays.

David also stated that the move was in compliance with the presidential directive that all newly established universities should commence activities by September.

He said that although the university was a federal institution, Bayelsa people would be its direct beneficiaries, saying, “education is the bedrock of every society”

The coordinator further said that the university was the first higher institution in Bassambiri, Opu-Nembe, and that it was necessary to support its take-off.

David said that well-meaning indigenes of Bayelsa should support the growth and development of the school.

Also speaking at the event, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa said that the state government had done a critical assessment and appraisal of the institution.

Represented by the Education Commissioner, Dr Gentle Emelah, Diri said that the government was committed to assisting towards providing basic facilities for the university.

He said that his administration was committed to giving priority attention to education and the general wellbeing of Bayelsa people.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Bob Manuel, the Chief Executive Officer, Bontrac Tractors Limited, described the idea behind the university as ‘great and timely’

“Agriculture should be given the right attention. Agriculture alone is capable of tackling the employment challenge in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“I urge well-meaning Nigerians to support the university’s take-off and development, it is in our interest,” he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh