The federal government on Tuesday inaugurated the local organising committee for the 45th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development (NCARD).

A statement by Mohammed Gana, spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this on Monday in Abuja.

Ernest Umakhihe, the ministry’s permanent secretary, tasked the LOC to address critical issues affecting development and management in the agricultural sector. Mr Umakhihe said that the 45th regular meeting would be held from September 13 to 17 in Plateau.

He said agriculture was a critical sector that touched peoples’ livelihoods and needs. Mr Umakhihe added that the council would explore the possibility of using the unique platform provided by the forthcoming NCARD to develop workable policies and strategies that would enable the ministry to deliver its mandate to the nation.

“The council will play an important role towards enhancing the efforts of the present administration’s agenda of uplifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years, and the expectations of both the government and the general populace are high,” he stressed.

He called on the LOC to ensure that everything was put in place for the seamless meeting of the council as well as to track the implementation of the resolutions of the 2021 council meeting, being one of the major priorities.

The terms of reference of the LOC include putting in place necessary arrangements to facilitate the successful conduct of the meeting and providing an adequate and efficient secretariat to guarantee smooth conduct and accurate documentation of all proceedings. It is also expected to supply and distribute conference materials, efficient conduct of participants, and other activities initiated to add value to the event.

The LOC will also prepare and submit to management progress reports on the committee’s activities before and after the event’s conduct. It is also tasked with ensuring adequate publicity for the event and full active participation of stakeholders, among others.

(NAN)