The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has described the contribution of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan towards improving agricultural productivity as monumental.
Oba Adetunji is expected to join Nigeria’s Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Agriculture Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Agricultural Institute in Ibadan tomorrow, Monday.
Receiving the IITA delegation led by Dr. Kenton Dasheill, Deputy Director General Partnership for Development and Dr. Kwesiu Attah-Krah, Director Site Integration in his PopoyemojaPalace, the Olubadan pointed that the intervention of the global body in agricultural product had facilitated employment generation, improved agricultural yield and reduce hunger and starvation in tropical Africa.
The first class monarch stated that the extensive research of the agricultural institute on crops such as cassava, yam, maize, millet has brought about development of varieties, leading us to sometimes wonder how we would have been able to conquer hunger and starvation without the intervention of agricultural institute like IITA.
He therefore pledged his continued cooperation and support towards making the operation of the body smooth within the limit of his power.
Earlier, both the team leader, Dr. Dashiell and Dr. Attah-Krah had commended the Olubadan for the peace and harmony in Ibadan. Dr. Attah-Krah stated that about 1000 subjects of Kabiyesi in the employment of IITA. Dr. Dashiell informed the Olubadan that the IITA management has found the Nigerian on IITA payroll as very resourceful and hardworking.
The later extended their invitation to the monarch to join the Nation’s Acting President and Agriculture Minister to celebrate the IITA at 50.
