The Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke Akinyele, has called for the elimination of middlemen in the food and agriculture supply value chain.

‘’If we can remove the middlemen from the food production chain, it is going to go a long way in ensuring food security in Nigeria,” she said.

Professor Akinyele spoke at the 40th year reunion of the UI Agriculture and Forestry Class of 84.

She stated that if the government could make adequate arrangements to get crops that are produced by farmers directly to the consumers, this would help to ensure food security.

The Class of 1984 Graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan are alumni and alumnae who graduated from the faculty 40 years ago.

The old students are now professors, serving and former vice chancellors, captains of industry, current and former executive directors of blue chip companies, multinationals and the Central Bank of Nigeria; renowned scientists, farmers, teachers, and notable public servants.

Activities for the reunion spanned three days and included a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of the Resurrection,
a campus walk and a tour round the university facilities.

There was a courtesy visit to the leadership of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor [Administration], Prof. Peter Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp who received the class delegates, lauded the achievements of the alumni in various fields of human endeavours.

He stated that it was a confirmation that they did well while in school, adding that UI is very proud of their achievements.

Professor Olapegba described the Alumni as the owners of the University and urged them to take back the university.

“Alumni are driving universities in many parts of the world. We are working hard to bring all the alumni into a pool. We are still trying to maintain the tradition of excellence. With your cooperation, we will overcome whatever challenges we have,” he said.

The Chairman of the Reunion Anniversary Committee and former VC, Osun State University, who is also the current Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, African Forest Forum, Nairobi, Kenya, Prof. Labode Popoola disclosed that the old students found it compelling to look back and give back to the institution that invested so much in them.

A donation of 350 banquet chairs was made to Trenchard Hall.

Earlier, the graduates of the old Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (now split into two faculties) had been received by the Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke Akinyele and her counterpart in the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. A. B. Omojola, who was represented by Prof Rasheed Olufemi Awodoyin. The class of 84 donated two giant multi-function photocopiers to the faculties.

One of the activities was an anniversary lecture, with the theme: ‘’Rebuilding Bridges and Giving Back to Alma Mater’’ delivered by Prof. Victor Olawale Adetimirin of the Department of Agronomy of the University of Ibadan.

Prof. Adetimirin harped on the need for old students to give back, build bridges, and live a meaningful social life.

There was also a press conference where the leadership of the class of 84 engaged front-line media houses on the rationale behind the reunion, strategies to revamp education, and steps to ensure food security in the country.

The reunion programme ended with a banquet chaired by Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, where the set of 84 honoured their former lecturers, who were represented by Emeritus Professor Tunde Ikotun and Professor Janice Olawoye.

The set also gave the Achievers award to Professor Abayomi Fasina, the VC of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, on behalf of other achievers.

Two best graduating students, each drawn from the two succeeding faculties, were honoured with plaques and cash prizes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is taking the necessary hard decisions to elevate the country to the desired level of development.

Addressing members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing, on Friday, President Tinubu emphasized the need for bold and unprecedented decisions to drive progress.

President Tinubu rounded off his official engagements in China by meeting with Nigerians living in the country, describing his visit as “very good and successful.”

The President emphasised his efforts to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy and mining during his discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and his participation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Citing the recent fuel price adjustments, President Tinubu explained that such decisions are crucial to achieving meaningful development.

He drew parallels with China’s development, highlighting the country’s good roads, constant electricity and water supply, and quality schools.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to recognize the importance of hard decisions in paving the way for a better future.

He encouraged the diaspora community to contribute positively and influence attitudes back home, warning that expecting everything for free would only delay progress.

“What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens, and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China.

“We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also emphasized the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example for Nigerians to follow.

“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.

“We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” the President said.

Highlighting the impact of investments in China’s economy, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in Diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is prepared to collaborate with them to leverage opportunities back home.

“Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices.

“But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?

“What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?

“So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development,’’ the President said.

To the applause of the audience, President Tinubu stated that one key takeaway from his visit to China is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home.

“We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish.

“One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that,” the President stated.

The President noted that while it is not always easy for a leader to have a national consensus on issues, he is ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward.

“We are focused, and I have a very good team,” President Tinubu added.

In his remarks, Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people collaboration.

He expressed NIDO China’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, earlier in the year.

He pledged that the organization is eager to drive the initiative forward within the diaspora community.

Mr. Barnabas requested President Tinubu’s assistance in advocating for Nigeria to be officially recognized as a native English-speaking nation, which would open up job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.

”Your Excellency, I wish to indulge your kind attention and use this rare opportunity to share a key challenge on behalf of the Nigeria community in China. Due to the peculiar nature of this country, the Nigerian community is mainly composed of students, expatriates, and businessmen.

”Our desire is that Nigeria is officially recognized as a native English-speaking nation in China. We believe your esteemed engagements with the high-level authorities can assist us in establishing this status.

”Presently, over 70% of available international jobs in China are reserved for native English speakers. In 2016, the local authorities listed South Africa as a native English-speaking nation.

”We believe Nigeria has a chance to receive similar recognition due to the fact that English language is our official language and we are also blessed with Professor Wole Soyinka who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.

”We believe the enhancement of our status will open more opportunities to allow more Nigerians to study and work in China, thereby increasing diaspora remittance to Nigeria,” he said.

The chairman of NIDO China pledged that the organization would continue to contribute their expertise and resources to support President Tinubu’s administration and efforts to elevate Nigeria’s global standing.

The Federal Government has said only public servants with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be allowed to purchase as it flags off the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.

While flagging off the exercise, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari said the move is to curb racketeering and is part of efforts to crash the prices of food in Nigerian markets.
Represented by President Bola Tinubu, Kyari said the intervention will be sold strictly “one man to one bag or one woman to one bag”.

He said the rice — which is to be sold at a flat rate of #40,000 naira only for 50kg – is the federal government intervention for the sales of subsidised milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria.

“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” he said.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a former Secretary to Oyo State Government and Babalaje of Saki land, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso,

This is contained In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli described the death of the 86-year-old political leader, Chief Koleoso, who passed away on Monday, as a significant loss to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The lawmaker praised Chief Koleoso’s immense contributions to the development of Oyo State and the nation.

He acknowledged Koleoso’s role as a seasoned politician, renowned businessman and respected community leader who served the people of Oyo State with dedication and integrity.

Senator Alli recalled with admiration Chief Koleoso’s commitment to the growth and prosperity of Saki land and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of its people.

“As a former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Koleoso was instrumental in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria during a critical period in the nation’s history.

“Chief Koleoso was a beacon of wisdom and an exemplary leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Alli said.

The lawmaker extended heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Saki land as well as all those who were touched by his life and leadership.

He prayed for the repose of Chief Koleoso’s soul, while asking God to comfort his family during this difficult time.

“Chief Koleoso’s passing at the age of 86 marks the end of an era, but his contributions to society will never be forgotten,” Senator Alli concluded.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli commended Shettima’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress and the pivotal role he continues to play in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Alli lauded the Vice President for his exemplary leadership, which he described as a blend of wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.

He noted that Shettima’s contributions, both as a former governor of Borno State and now as Vice President, have been marked by a relentless pursuit of peace, stability, and development, particularly in the North-East region.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima has demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges facing our nation and has consistently worked towards finding sustainable solutions.

“His tenure as governor of Borno State was defined by his resilience and determination in the face of adversity, qualities that he continues to bring to the service of our nation,” Alli said.

Senator Alli said that the Vice President’s ability to build bridges and his inclusive approach to governance have been instrumental in promoting national integration, especially in these critical times.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to join in celebrating a leader who remains steadfast in his commitment to the nation’s growth and development.

He wished the Vice President continued success, good health and divine guidance as he carries out his duties.

Senator Alli expressed hope that his tenure would be marked by significant achievements that would further uplift the nation and its people.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has joined numerous well-wishers in celebrating Hon. Ajibola Saubana Muraina, an APC Chieftain and former Representative of Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli extolled Muraina’s contributions to the development of his constituency and the nation at large.

The lawmaker described Muraina as a committed and passionate leader whose dedication to public service has positively impacted the lives of his constituents.

He said that Muraina’s legislative achievements during his time in the House of Representatives were instrumental in bringing about significant progress in the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency.

“Hon. Ajibola Muraina has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance.

“His contributions to the legislative process and his advocacy for the welfare of his people have set a standard for others to follow.

“As we celebrate his birthday, we acknowledge his enduring legacy of service and dedication to the development of our great nation,” he said.

Senator Alli also used the opportunity to commend Muraina’s loyalty to the APC and his relentless efforts in strengthening the party’s structure in Oyo State.

The lawmaker wished Hon. Muraina many more years of good health, prosperity, and fulfillment, urging him to continue his selfless service to humanity.

“May Almighty Allah continue to guide, bless, and grant you the wisdom to keep making a positive impact in our society,” Senator Alli added.