By Joy Adeyiga & Femi Dansu
In a bid to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change and food security in Nigeria, the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigerian Universities (ADAN), in partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), held the Opening Ceremony of its 8th Annual Conference and 67th Annual General Meeting on July 8, 2024, at the Red Chamber of the University.
The conference, themed “Climate Change: Agricultural Innovations and Bio-entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development, Food Sufficiency, and Economic Transformation,” drew numerous distinguished speakers and guests.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, welcomed attendees and commended ADAN’s contributions to agricultural education in Nigeria.
He highlighted the significance of the conference in advancing agricultural research and training, expressing the University’s pride in hosting the event.
Prof. Kehinde, also a member of the Association, stressed ADAN’s dedication to the upliftment of Nigeria’s agricultural industry and urged participants to ensure the conference has a tangible impact on the nation’s agriculture sector, particularly amid current food shortages.
In her Address, the Chairperson of ADAN’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Folusho David-Abraham, lauded the efforts of FUNAAB Management, emphasising ADAN’s expanding influence in the agricultural sector.
Prof. David-Abraham underscored ADAN’s commitment to enhancing the quality of agricultural graduates through initiatives such as the establishment of eleven incubation centres.
Corroborating the BoT Chairperson, the President of ADAN, Prof. Olumuyiwa Jayeoba, echoed the importance of agricultural faculties in achieving food security in Nigeria, in addition to stressing the critical role of agri-entrepreneurship and skill acquisition for students.
He noted that ADAN’s efforts are vital for the future of agriculture in the country.
In his Keynote Address, Dr. Simeon Ehui, the Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), represented by Dr. Michael Alberton, discussed the impacts of climate change on food security and IITA’s commitment to improving agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Plenary speakers included the National President of the United Nations Environment Programme, Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly in Nigeria, Mr. James Oyesola who spoke on Nature-based solutions in cassava production; the Deputy Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Dr. John Oyedepo talked on climate data infrastructure and smart tools for resilient agriculture in Nigeria, and the Managing Director, Miagro Limited, Kaduna, Alhaji Mahmood Tauhid spoke on climate-smart agriculture adaptations and technologies for food security.
The conference was attended by notable figures such as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Development (DVCD), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, and the Ag. Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga.
Others were the Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), who doubled as the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Chairman, Prof. Olusiji Sowande; Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), and the LOC Secretary, Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; HoD, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD) and LOC Treasurer, Prof. Petra Abdusalam-Saghir, as well as numerous Deans of Faculties of Agriculture in universities across Nigeria.
Earlier, as part of the conference activities, ADAN’s National Executive and LOC Members paid a Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde.
During the visit, Prof. Kehinde expressed his appreciation for the University’s efforts in organising a significant event, emphasising the goal of setting new standards rather than surpassing previous records.
He commended the LOC for their hard work and encouraged participants to explore the historic city of Abeokuta.
ADAN Chairperson, while presenting the Association’s journal to the Vice-Chancellor, commended the Committee’s relentless efforts in ensuring the conference’s success, noting the palpable atmosphere of achievement since their arrival.
Highpoint was the presentation of Agricultural Leadership Awards to the Vice-Chancellor, President of ADAN and Alhaji Mahmood Tauhid, including cash awards to some high-flying students.
