By Emma Emeozor
A non-governmental organisation, based in Thailand, Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization (NIDO), made history following the renewal of its strategic partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s oldest and leading agricultural institution, the Maejo University.
In a statement, the group’s President, Dr. Nwafor C. Lloyd, said the ceremony which took place on November 5, 2024 was the outcome of a collaboration with the president of Maejo University, Associate Professor Weerapon Thongma.
Lloyd explained that the partnership aims to help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in all essential food products, particularly those that significantly impact “our nation’s foreign exchange, such as rice, fish, feed and chicken.”
While noting that the initial MoU between NIDO and Maejo University was signed in May 2019, the president observed that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which focuses on revitalising a sector that has significantly declined in importance.
He said: “This partnership has significantly benefited many farmers across Nigeria’s various geopolitical zones.
“Through our platform, these farmers have the opportunity to participate in an affordable 21-day intensive training programme in Thailand” on the production of “rice, fishery, animal husbandry, cassava, vegetables, fruits and many more.
“This subsidised package includes hotel accommodation, transportation and the cost of training. It also provides participants with a certificate and transcripts for the courses completed.”
According to Lloyd, the group has taken a significant step by expanding its partnership with the Federal Government.
“In September 2023, the University of Agriculture and Environment Sciences in Imo State signed an MoU with Maejo University.
“This agreement includes various provisions, such as offering scholarships to students from UAES and other tertiary institutions in Imo State, establishing linkages and exchange programmes between Maejo University and UAES and engaging in collaboration research and seed production, among other initiatives.”
On the key objectives of the group, the president said it is “dedicated to empowering Nigerians abroad and at home in the fields of agriculture, education, hospitality and information technology.
“Our focus is on actively involving them in the development process aimed at building a better Nigeria and addressing food security in the country.”