OORBDA, FUNAAB collaborate to tackle food security challenges

The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have entered into a strategic partnership towards tackling food security challenges and youth unemployment in the country.

This commitment was sealed during a courtesy visit to OORBDA led by FUNAAB’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land.

In his Address, the Pro-Chancellor underlined the University’s vision of fostering strong relationships with neighbouring institutions to advance teaching, research, and agricultural development.

He emphasised the need for long-term collaboration with OORBDA to address pressing issues like food insecurity and youth unemployment. “As a University, we are focused on creating opportunities for our students and addressing national challenges. Partnering with OORBDA will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals,” he said.

Corroborating the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted FUNAAB’s global recognition, including its recent ranking as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th Best worldwide by Times Higher Education in January 2024. He noted the University’s vast potential in advancing food security, citing its 10,200-hectare land and a 7 billion litre Dam commissioned in 2022.

“These resources, coupled with the right infrastructure, can transform agricultural production and youth engagement in farming,” Prof. Kehinde added. He also stressed the University’s immediate needs, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and bulldozers, to support large-scale farming. “Empowering our graduates to actively engage in agriculture not only addresses youth unemployment but also aligns with Nigeria’s food security agenda,” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor proposed collaborative projects with OORBDA to enhance farming activities and community engagement, including the development of roads and irrigation systems.

Earlier, the OORBDA’s Managing Director, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, who welcomed the FUNAAB’s delegation, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and water resource management.

He announced the launch of a six-month graduate empowerment programme, which would provide training in various agricultural sectors, including fishery, livestock farming, poultry production, and food processing.

Dr. Ashiru also disclosed ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of an irrigation system to facilitate all-season farming at Ilaro and its environs. One key highlight was the proposed award of a contract for the construction of drainage along the Alabata Road, from Camp to Isolu, to preserve and enhance the palliatives carried out on the road.

Both institutions agreed to formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging to work together to leverage their resources for mutual progress.

The intended partnership signifies a critical step in addressing shared objectives, including sustainable agricultural practices, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development. The partnership underscores the importance of institutional collaboration in solving Nigeria’s pressing challenges and promoting national development.