The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Oyo State has officially inaugurated a new Station at Imesi-Ile, Osun State, as part of moves to fulfill its mandate of combating the challenge of food insecurity in the country.

In his welcome address, the Director of the host institution, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, who commended the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, HRM Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, and the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), reiterated the Institute’s commitment to food security through research, innovation and technology development.

Giving an insight on the new station, the Head of Crop and Livestock Production Unit, IAR&T and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof. Johnson Adetumbi traced the trajectory of the station’s establishment. He acknowledged the IPA’s funding of the office building and land donation for farm operations.

While delivering his speech, the monarch, Oba Akinyemi, who appreciated the Institute for making the dream project a reality, urged the indigenes to maximize the presence of IAR&T for community and national benefit.

The National President of IPA, Samuel Olusola Agbeluyi, challenged other federal institutions to partner with the town, “as the Imesi-Ile community, though small in landmass, but big in ambition and aspirations, is open to advancement and progress.”

However, as a way of encouraging the farmers in the community, a symbolic presentation of improved Maize seeds was performed by the Deputy Director of the Institute, Prof. Dotun Ogunniyan. He reiterated the Institute’s resolve to producing quality seeds and ascertained them of high yields, urging the farmers to be committed to good agricultural practices.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Osun State, Alhaji Wahab Bello, appreciated the Institute for the kind gesture and promised the seeds will be used maximally with expectation of good and positive feedback.

The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. Femi Ajayi used the medium to interact with the farmers in their native language, imploring them to capitalize on the opportunity of having a Research Institute in their domain. He narrated a story to echo his food-for-thought to the farmers and wished the Institute continued success.

Also, the immediate Past Director of the Institute, Prof. Veronica Obatolu, who in her comment emphasised the importance of the project, said the reality of the station during the reign of the present Director is a great achievement and would do humanity good.

The Chief Host and Vice Chancellor, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Kabiyesi and the indigenes. He emphasised the strong linkage between OAU and IAR&T, stating “the presence of IAR&T is the presence of the Obafemi Awolowo University”. He urged farmers to adopt good practices and lauded the Institute’s capacity to solve agricultural challenges.