By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone has inaugurated the Management Board of the Centre for Agripreneur and Cooperative Research and Practice (CACORP).

The inauguration took place on Tuesday, 14th May 2024 at the board room of the Faculty of Management Sciences on the occasion of the special valedictory board meeting of the Faculty in honour of the Vice-Chancellor as his tenure winds down.

The board which is led by its Chairman and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has other members as Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Pius Okoye; Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe; Director, Agribusiness and Cooperative Research, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji; Head, Department of Cooperative Economics and Management, Dr. Nkechi Ojiagu; Head, Department of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Nkechi Nwakobi; Head, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture; Prof. Frank Nwankwo; Prof. Ezinma Nnabuife, Dr. Uko Ibeabuchi and Mrs Nkiru Nnonyelu, as Secretary.

Inaugurating the board, UNIZIK VC Prof. Esimone charged the committee to see the membership of the board as an opportunity to serve and create agricultural entrepreneurs while conducting researches and practices in line with global best practices.

Esimone stated that the advent of CACORP is part of his 'Project 200' vision in establishing directorates, centres and committees that are innovative and will drive the production sector and bridging the gap between the town and gown through research, innovation and creativity.

In her inaugural speech, the Director of CACORP, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji stated that the vision of the Centre is to revolutionize the agricultural sector, to ignite innovation and to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence that transcends boundaries and transform lives. Dr. Okoroji affirmed that as champions in agricultural research, innovations and Cooperative management, the CACORP envision a future where farmers harness the power of cutting-edge technologies, where sustainable farming practices reign supreme and where agricultural productivity soars to unprecedented heights.

The scholar informed that through ground breaking research projects, technology transfer initiative and collaborative partnership, the CACORP will unlock the secrets of the soil, pioneer new methodologies and push the boundaries of what is possible in Agribusiness.

Highpoints of the occasion was the official inauguration, administering of oath of allegiance to the board members by the VC and group photo session of the board members.