Last Updated on November 15, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Calls for Sustainable Pasture and Range Management Systems
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Prof. Demo Kalla, has delivered the Second Prof. Femi Onifade Memorial Lecture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), calling for a transition from traditional nomadic livestock production to sustainable, science-based pasture and range management systems to address Nigeria’s livestock development challenges.
Prof. Kalla, who advocated a more scientific and organised approach to livestock production, delivered the lecture today, November 12, 2026, at the Postgraduate School Auditorium, where he highlighted the importance of modern pasture and rangeland management in improving animal productivity, optimising natural resources and strengthening the livestock economy.
The lecture was organised by the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), FUNAAB, in collaboration with the Prof. Femi Onifade Memorial Foundation (PFOMF), under the theme, “Beyond the Nomad Trail: Science-Based Pasture and Range System for Modern Livestock Economy.”
As the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Kalla stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional livestock management practices towards scientifically managed pasture and rangeland systems capable of supporting improved animal productivity, sustainable resource utilisation and a more organised livestock industry.
He described FUNAAB as his second home, recalling his longstanding relationship with the University, which dates back to the administrations of former Vice-Chancellors. He noted that Taraba State University shared strong academic interests with FUNAAB, particularly in tropical agriculture and related disciplines, expressing optimism about mutually beneficial partnerships in teaching, research and innovation.
In his Address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, described the memorial lecture as an important platform for preserving the intellectual contributions of distinguished scholars and inspiring future generations of researchers.
He emphasised the need for innovative, sustainable and science-driven interventions in pasture development, range management and organised animal production to enhance livestock productivity, strengthen food security and promote peaceful coexistence.
Prof. Kehinde also commended COLANIM and the Foundation for sustaining the memorial initiative, urging students and young researchers to translate the knowledge gained into practical research, innovation and solutions to national development challenges.
Earlier, the Chairperson of PFOMF, Prof. Comfort Onifade, explained that the Foundation was established in 2025 to sustain the legacy of her late husband through initiatives focused on youth and women’s empowerment, educational advancement, community health and wellness, as well as the promotion of dialogue through science, faith, music and the arts.
Highlighting the Foundation’s achievements within its first year, she disclosed that it had organised soap-making training for women in two rural communities in Ogun State, garment-making training for four women and Artificial Intelligence training for two female participants. She further revealed that seven undergraduate students across four Nigerian universities had benefited from its scholarship scheme.
Other initiatives undertaken by the Foundation included the Legacy of Music Concert held on June 6, 2026, and the inaugural Prof. Femi Onifade Memorial Lecture in October 2025.
Describing the achievements as an encouraging beginning, Prof. Onifade, who is also the National President of the Nigerian Association of University Women (NAUW), called for increased partnerships and support from individuals, corporate organisations and institutions to expand the Foundation’s interventions in education, entrepreneurship, capacity building and community development.
Earlier in the day, Prof. Kalla had paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Kehinde, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu.
The memorial lecture reinforced the importance of inter-university collaboration, scientific innovation and institutional partnerships in addressing emerging challenges in agriculture and livestock production, while celebrating the enduring contributions of the late Prof. Femi Onifade to scholarship, institutional development and humanity.
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