By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science to improve the quality of soil in the nations capital.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade, made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja, when the governing council of the institute led by its President, Prof. Ayoade Ogunkunle, paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA.
The minister said the FCT Administration was very concerned about the quality of land because productivity was largely dependent on land.
According to him, if the land quality is weak you will farm for nothing and therefore, for a body to regulate the use of land is very important and appropriate for the country.
He assured that any agency of government that was desirous to contribute to the development of the FCT is always well received.
We have taken note of the accomplishments of the institute and we also noted paragraph two of your letter where you requested for an office space in the FCT. We will convey your request to the minister
I thank you Prof. Ayoade for acknowledging the robust structure we have in the FCT and for the enlightenment you provided us in the institute. One thing is certain: the institute appears to be the father of all.
Earlier, Ogunkunle, explained that the institute was an agency under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with its Act enacted and signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on February 3, 2017.
He also said the institute was charged with the mandate of regulating and sustaining the profession of soil science and not only the profession but the use of soil.
According to him, “soil is like the home for everybody such as human beings, plants, animals and the nature of soil in every country makes it so if we destroy it then we are in for a problem.
If we dont manage it sustainably then we are in trouble. In abroad where we study we realized it and they make so many places untouchable because you cannot go to the next country to ask for their soil.
You can ask for many other things but not soil. If a soil is eroded and damaged, it will take many years to restore it. Soil is like a living being when you start using it at a stage it doesnt respond again unless it is well managed.”
The president further used the opportunity to request for a piece of land from the FCT Minister to enable the institute to build a befitting permanent headquarters.
We want a piece of land that can be developed for the institute.