Daud Olatunji
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called for the strategic harnessing of Nigeria’s agricultural potential to drive economic transformation.
He made this assertion during the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council Press Week’s Opening Ceremony and Symposium held on December 9, 2024, at the Aremo Olusegun Osoba Hall, Iwe-Iroyin, Abeokuta.
Speaking as a panelist at the event themed “Unlocking the Potential of Agriculture for Economic Development: The Roles of the Media,” Prof. Kehinde highlighted the nation’s youthful population, favourable weather, fertile soil, and diverse crop varieties as assets capable of positioning Nigeria as a global agricultural hub.
“The best fertilizer on a farmland is the footprint of the farmer,” the Plant Breeding and Genetics professor remarked, underscoring the importance of active participation in agriculture.
He lamented Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil, which he said has relegated the country’s rich agricultural heritage to the background.
Prof. Kehinde called on the media to take the lead in shaping national priorities, advocating for policies that promote agricultural growth, and holding institutions accountable.
According to him, the media must bridge the gap between agricultural policies and grassroots implementation through agenda-setting and strategic advocacy.
“The media has the power to revitalise agriculture by amplifying its importance and galvanising stakeholders across all levels,” he said, urging a stronger media-private sector collaboration to overcome funding challenges.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s contributions to agricultural development, the Vice-Chancellor revealed ongoing collaborations with private organisations such as NOLAP, Harvestfield, and AUXANO Farms.
These partnerships involve leasing university lands for cultivation and providing professional and technical support to enhance productivity.
He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to using agriculture as a foundation for Nigeria’s economic development, pledging continued efforts to innovate and lead in the sector.
The event attracted dignitaries, including the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile, representing the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola.
The NUJ Ogun Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, lauded FUNAAB’s role in promoting agricultural development and commended its Directorate of Public Relations for its robust media engagement.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu commended FUNAAB’s agricultural innovations, noting their impact on national economic growth.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and Comrade Ademola Benko, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, among others.
The symposium featured a vibrant panel discussion with experts, including Engr. Ayo Olubori, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment, and Mr. Babatunde Kushimo of Young Agro Limited, further enriching the discourse on Nigeria’s agricultural future.
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