Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As VC Visits Remodelled Garri Factory
By Joy Adeyiga
The Sustainable Livelihood and Development Network for Africa (SLIDEN Africa), in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially launched the SLIDEN Africa – FUNAAB Agribusiness Apprenticeship Scheme (SAFAAS) and the remodelled FUNAAB Garri Processing Factory, including a ten-hectare cassava farm under the Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (CAVA II) Sustainability Project.
The official launch, held today, July 2, 2025, at the University’s Garri Processing Factory, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, expressed gratitude to the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo for his tireless efforts in bringing the project to life, even after his tenure as DVC, Development.
Prof. Akinyemi conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s appreciation to Prof. Adebayo and the project team, noting the factory’s remarkable transformation and operational readiness. He highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s excitement at the project’s launch, commending Prof. Adebayo for his innovative drive, and urged that the fruitful partnership with SLIDEN Africa continue beyond the CAVA II Project’s completion next year to ensure sustainability.
He also acknowledged the support of the Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; Director, Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Kazeem Bello; Director, FUNAAB Integrated Ventures (FIV), Mr. Olufisayo Amubode, and the Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole. He emphasised that the student trainees’ commitment and eagerness to learn had renewed the University’s confidence in students’ interest in practical agriculture and agribusiness.
While welcoming the dignitaries to the factory, Prof. Adebayo, who also serves as the Team Lead for the CAVA II Sustainability Project anchored by SLIDEN Africa, explained that, as the CAVA II Project nears its review period next year, the initiative with SLIDEN Africa was designed to ensure that FUNAAB’s facility remained active, showcasing the University’s commitment to agricultural transformation. The project, he noted, was aimed at positioning FUNAAB as a model for sustainable agribusiness practices within Nigerian universities.
Students participating in the SAFAAS programme expressed gratitude for the hands-on training, noting that it had transformed their perspectives on agriculture and motivated them to pursue careers in agribusiness after graduation.
Present at the launch were the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; the Deputy Registrar I, Executive Affairs, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; as well as other members of staff.
Meanwhile, attendees were treated to a display and tasting of various packaged garri products produced by the students as part of their training, showcasing the practical outcomes of the project and the value of innovative agribusiness education.
A 10-pack carton costs ₦10,000, but a single pack goes for ₦1,500.
