Nigerian-American climate scientist, Professor Jimmy Adegoke, has urged the Federal Government to transform the Rivers Niger and Benue into viable resources for mechanized farming, which he believes could significantly contribute to food security and economic growth in Nigeria.
Professor Adegoke, an emeritus professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), made this call while delivering the 10th distinguished public lecture at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday.
The lecture, themed “A Tale of Two Cities: Climate Threats and Economic Opportunities at the Confluence of the Great Rivers Niger and Benue,” was held at the institution’s Felele campus.
Adegoke emphasized that Nigeria has untapped potential that could uplift its economy, with agriculture being a key area for growth.
He stated that the proper utilization of the Niger and Benue Rivers could not only feed the nation but also provide food for other African countries, while offering numerous economic advantages.
He urged the government to construct more dams for irrigation purposes, allowing farmers to grow crops year-round, without depending solely on the short rainy season.
“The Federal Government can create water retention systems by slowing down the flow of these rivers and constructing dams across the country, which would provide enough water for year-round farming,” Adegoke said.
He highlighted the limitations of Nigeria’s current agricultural practices, noting that many crops, such as rice and corn, are only cultivated once a year due to the reliance on rain, which lasts for just three to four months in many regions.
“There is no reason we cannot have three planting seasons for crops like corn and beans, which take only three months from planting to harvest. The limiting factor is that our agriculture is dependent on rainfall,” he added.
Adegoke also stressed the importance of a visionary approach to national development, urging Nigerian leaders to adopt a personal culture of excellence that can drive economic and infrastructural progress.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, described the lecture’s theme as timely and significant, especially given the climate challenges facing Nigeria’s north-central region.
He noted that fostering dialogue on critical issues like climate change can lead to informed actions that positively impact society.
“As a university, we are committed to advancing research that addresses real-world challenges,” Akinwumi said, adding that collaboration with government agencies, industry leaders, and the public would be crucial in addressing the environmental threats posed by climate change.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the university’s role in contributing to solutions through academic research, policy recommendations, and community engagement.