AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY.
SENATOR ANYIM PIUS ANYIM GCON.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
ON THE OCCASION OF A MEMORIAL LECTURE
IN HONOUR OF NIGERIA’S FOREMOST AGRICULTURIST,
BONG BASSEY U. A. ATTAH,
MON HELD AT IBOM HALL, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE
ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 2001.
PROTOCOLS
May I express my gratitude to the organizers of this remarkable event for the invitation extended to me. I must confess that the invitation letter to this event elicited sense of pride over the labours of our Heroes past. The invitation letter at the same time fired a deep reflection on our generational role in key National Sectors like agriculture.
I immensely salute the efforts and vision of the trustees to “Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah Agricultural Endowment” for their resolve to bring back to life the unparalled contribution of that sage to the now romanticized agrarian revolution of the defunct Eastern Region. Permit me to recall that the late Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah was amongst the earliest Nigerians from the East of the Niger to acquire American education. Upon graduation, he quickly came back to Nigeria to join others in the movement for self-government. It is important to note that by virtue of Obong Attah Snr’s American education he was cosmopolitan in his world outlook, he was urbane in his social interactions, he was moderate in his political activities and he was diligent in pursuit of his career objectives.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the legacy of Obong Attah Snr is still very visible in the States of old Eastern Nigeria. His pioneering role as a foremost agriculturist resulted to the establishment of several food and cash crops plantations in the present Abia State, Imo State. Akwa Ibom State and Cross Rivers State. He equally played great roles under the able leadership of Dr. M. I. Okpara in establishing the then agricultural institute at Umudike, Umuahia. Today, that institute is a full fledged University.
My dear distinguished audience, the foregoing is just a brief insight on the life and works of the man we have all gathered here today to honour.
Today’s event scores yet another unique feature just like the man we are here to celebrate his lifetime. A very essential aspect of today’s programme is fund raising for the establishment of Agro Research Centre. Indeed the thought that informed the concept of Agro Research Centre is noble just as the life and mission of the late foremost Agriculturist.
In our contemporary Society, it is common and usual for trust fund to be constituted for propagating political ideals of notable politicians. But, interestingly the fund raising today is for a rare and unique purpose-Agriculture. The aim of this fund raising is indeed consistent with the trend of the present government to re-discover agriculture as an alternative source of income aside oil to the government. A wealthy nation must conveniently feed its populace, I believe that in part will constitute the objectives of the fund. The National Assembly, particularly the Senate mindful of the importance of agriculture to our National interest both for the immediate and the future will not hesitate to pass favourable legislations that will encourage and promote agricultural driven initiatives and ventures.
Having noted as above I urge every one present here today both individual and corporate to meaningfully identify with the Agro Research Centre.
On a final note, it is worthy of note that late Obong Attah’s greatest legacy transcends agriculture. To the glory of God, his direct offsprings have excelled in various fields of human endeavours. Name it, his children and children’s children are there. I believe that is a legacy worthy of emulation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, once again I thank you all for the honour of being invited to today’s occasion.
God bless you all.