The House of Representatives has passed for third reading a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ovwor-Olomu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, marking another major legislative milestone for the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive.
The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide for the Establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ovwor-Olomu, Ughelli South, Delta State, and for Related Matters (HB.2681), was presented for third reading by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and subsequently passed by the Green Chamber.
The plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
With its passage by the House, the proposed legislation will now proceed to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
Reacting to the development, Waive described the passage of the bill as a major step towards expanding access to agricultural education, strengthening food security and accelerating rural development in Delta State and across the country.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the lawmaker said: "The House of Representatives today passed my Bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ovwor-Olomu. The Bill now goes to the Senate for concurrence."
If signed into law, the institution is expected to strengthen agricultural research, provide specialised training for youths and professionals, promote innovation in modern farming, create employment opportunities and serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
Waive, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, had earlier sponsored the legislation establishing the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, which has since been assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The latest legislative success further reinforces Waive's growing profile as one of the National Assembly's influential lawmakers, coming on the heels of several constituency development initiatives he has championed.
Only days before the passage of the agriculture college bill, the federal lawmaker inaugurated a free 24-hour broadband internet service for residents of Obi-Ayagha Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, a project designed to improve digital connectivity, support education, stimulate businesses and expand access to opportunities in the digital economy.
The latest achievement is expected to further consolidate Waive's legislative credentials as he prepares to seek a third term in the House of Representatives.
