By Femi Dansu
The Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), on July 24, 2024, held a One-Day Seminar, titled “Unseen Values of Common Agricultural Crops and Livestock,” at the Postgraduate School Auditorium.
In her Welcome Address, the Director, IFSERAR, Prof. Alaba Jolaosho, noted the inherent benefits of all God’s creatures for human beings, highlighting the under-utilisation and neglect of many plants and animals, which led to their potential extinction.
Prof. Jolaosho stressed that every plant, herb, fruit, tree, and animal, whether wild or domesticated, holds significant value often unknown to most people.
The Director elaborated on the various benefits these natural resources offer, including air purification, clean environments, food, and medicinal ingredients for both humans and livestock.
She emphasised the importance of understanding and utilising these resources to improve health and reduce dependence on expensive pharmaceutical products.
She, however, advocated for the standardisation of natural gifts to transform food into medicine for healthier living.
The first keynote speaker, Prof. Samuel Oluwalana, a specialist in Forestry and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, discussed the “Unseen Values of Common Agricultural Crops and Livestock.”
Prof. Oluwalana highlighted various uses of plants and animals, including the health benefits of unpeeled potato juice as an agent for removing heavy metals from the body.
He also shared insights on the medicinal uses of the cotton tree (Gossypium barbadense), such as treating brain weakness and testicular inflammation.
Prof. Oluwalana mentioned other traditional remedies, including using bamboo root ashes for dental problems and a paste made from earthworms and shea butter for treating breast tumours.
The second keynote speaker, Prof. Bamidele Oluwatosin, a former Director of IFSERAR, spoke about Muturu cattle, noting their small size, hardiness, and trypanotolerance. She shared that these cattle can weigh between 250kg and 300kg at full maturity.
Additional presentations included Miss Sulaimon Shukurat’s talk on Indigenous Strength-Enhancing Forest Resources and Mrs. Alpheus Doyinsola’s discussion on the medicinal applications of honey.
The Seminar was well-attended, with notable participants such as the representative of the Acting Bursar, Mrs. Oluremi Oyewunmi; Deputy Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Adewale Salau, former Director, IFSERAR, Prof. Victor Olowe and Mr. Basheer Alabi, including staff members of IFSERAR, among others.
