The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), based in Ibadan, Oyo State, has officially commissioned a new station at Imesi-Ile in Osun State. This initiative is part of the institute's ongoing efforts to address the challenge of food insecurity in Nigeria.
Welcome Address and Commitment
In his welcome address, the Director of IAR&T, Professor Gabriel Oluwatosin, commended the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, HRM Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, and the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) for their support. He reiterated the institute's dedication to ensuring food security through research, innovation, and technology development.
Background of the New Station
Professor Johnson Adetumbi, Head of the Crop and Livestock Production Unit and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, provided insights into the station's establishment. He acknowledged the IPA for funding the office building and donating land for farm operations.
Royal and Community Support
Oba Akinyemi expressed appreciation to the institute for making the dream project a reality. He urged the indigenes to maximize the presence of IAR&T for both community and national benefit. The National President of IPA, Samuel Olusola Agbeluyi, challenged other federal institutions to partner with the town, noting that the Imesi-Ile community, though small in landmass, is big in ambition and open to progress.
Symbolic Seed Presentation
To encourage local farmers, Deputy Director Professor Dotun Ogunniyan presented improved maize seeds. He reiterated the institute's commitment to producing quality seeds and assured farmers of high yields, urging them to adopt good agricultural practices.
Goodwill Messages
Alhaji Wahab Bello, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Osun State, appreciated the institute's gesture and promised that the seeds would be used maximally, with expectations of positive feedback. Professor Femi Ajayi, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, interacted with farmers in their native language, encouraging them to capitalize on having a research institute in their domain. He shared a story to inspire the farmers and wished the institute continued success.
Professor Veronica Obatolu, immediate past Director of IAR&T, emphasized the project's importance, stating that the station's realization under the current director is a great achievement that will benefit humanity.
Vice Chancellor's Remarks
The Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed gratitude to the monarch and the community. He highlighted the strong link between OAU and IAR&T, noting that the presence of IAR&T signifies the presence of Obafemi Awolowo University. He urged farmers to adopt good practices and praised the institute's capacity to solve agricultural challenges.
