FUNAAB's Vice-Chancellor Highlights Nigeria's Agricultural Potential At 2024 NUJ Press Week - EDU-BIZNEWS

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

FUNAAB's Vice-Chancellor Highlights Nigeria's Agricultural Potential At 2024 NUJ Press Week





By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo_ 

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has outlined Nigeria’s untapped agricultural potential, saying that its youthful population, favourable weather, fertile soil, and diverse crop varieties, which, if effectively harnessed, could serve as the bedrock for economic transformation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this Monday, December 9, 2024, while serving as one of the Panelists at the Opening Ceremony and Symposium of the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council Press Week, held at the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta.

Prof. Kehinde speaking on theme of the event, "Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture for Economic Development: The Roles of the Media," emphasised the indispensable role of the media in revitalising agriculture and setting Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, he lamented the country’s over-reliance on oil production at the expense of its rich agricultural heritage. 

Quoting an age-old agricultural adage, the Vice-Chancellor, who is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, stated, “The best fertilizer on a farmland is the footprint of the farmer.” He emphasised the importance of active participation and dedication to agriculture, reaffirming 
FUNAAB's commitment to leveraging agriculture as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s economic development. 

He called on the media to play a more active role in setting national priorities by  holding institutions accountable, and seeking policies that promote agricultural growth.

Prof. Kehinde, therefore, advocated for robust media engagement to bridge the gap between agricultural policies and grassroots implementation, saying that the media must champion the cause through agenda-setting and strategic advocacy.


He, however, acknowledged the challenges of funding, urging the private sector to take the lead in driving agricultural transformation. 

The Vice-Chancellor added FUNAAB  collaborated with some private organisations such as NOLAP, Harvestfield, and AUXANO Farms, among others, saying the institution leased lands to them under the deals for cultivation while the institution provided professional and technical support to enhance productivity. 

Chairman of the event, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII  applauded FUNAAB’s contributions to agricultural development while appreciating the presence of dignitaries including host ,Chairman of NUJ Ogun Council , Comrade Wale Olanrewaju


Oba Matemilola who was represented by 
the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile specially commended the Directorate of Public Relations for its outstanding efforts in promoting the University’s activities and successes through a robust media drive.

The monarch acknowledged FUNAAB’s significant role in showcasing agricultural innovations and driving national economic development. 

He appreciated the University’s contributions to raising awareness of agricultural advancements in Nigeria.


The event featured Goodwill Messages from notable figures, including the Hon. Speaker of Ogun State House Assembly, Right Honourable Oludaisi Elemide; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Ademola Benko, among others. It also included a robust panel discussion with experts like Engr. Ayo Olubori, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, as well as Mr. Babatunde Kushimo representing Young Agro Limited.




Pix: The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde (Middle), during the Panel Session with Engr. Ayo Olubori (Right) and Mr. Babatunde Kushimo_

By Tofunmi Adebayo

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