As a way of exploring potential collaboration opportunities between the local government and Organizations within the Council Area, the Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alh Rahman Adepoju along with his working cabinet paid a courtesy call on the Management of National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) at Idi Ishin, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Chairman and his entourage who were warmly received by the Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof Muhammed Lawal Atanda and the Internal management committee of the Institute held a fruitful discussions with the Executive Director of NIHORT and other top officials. The discussions centered on areas of mutual interest like agricultural development, capacity building and community engagement.
According to the Council Boss, the visit marks a significant step towards fostering a productive partnership between Ibadan North West Local Government and NIHORT and also aimed at driving agricultural development and economic growth in the council area and the state in general.
Adepoju stressed that his administration is committed in improving the livelihoods of residents of Ibadan North West Local Government through innovative agricultural practices and entrepreneurship. He said “partnering with NIHORT would enable the local government to tap into the institute’s expertise and resources, ultimately benefiting the local populace especially the youths.
The chairman enjoined the Executive Director to always put the local government into consideration in their Empowering programs for Youths and farmers. This, according to the Chairman will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the council area and the state as whole.
In his response, the Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof Muhammed Lawal Atanda welcomed the Executive Chairman and his entourage where he described the Executive Chairman as a selfless leader whose commitment in bringing Succour to the downtrodden is worth of emulating. Prof. Atanda assured the Executive Chairman of the institute’s readiness to collaborate with the local government. He highlighted NIHORT’s research capabilities and expertise in horticulture, emphasizing the potential benefits of the partnership for the local government and its residents.
After extensive deliberation, both parties agreed to work towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would outline the terms of their collaboration. The MOU would focus on areas such as training and capacity building for local farmers, introduction of new crop varieties and development of agricultural entrepreneurship in the local government.
While moving a vote of thanks, the Head of the Local Government Administration Mrs Rachael Olabode appreciated the management of NIHORT for the warm reception and privilege given to the Executive Chairman and his working cabinet to visit the institute and assured that the local government is looking forward to having a fruitful collaboration with the institute.
The Chairman and his entourage were later taken round various research units within the institute.
On the Executive Chairman’s Entourage were the Leader of the House,Rt.Hon. Oluwagbemileke Nelson, the Secretary Mrs Sarah Shobowale, Chief of staff Hon Kazeem Fantola, Super for Agriculture, Mr Ismail Gbadamosi and Super for Lands and Estate Mr Mojeed Olayiwola.Others were, the HLGA, Mrs Rachael Olabode,Director of Agric Mrs Folashade Adisa, Director of Finance, Mrs Dasola Jimoh, Head of Lands and Estate Unit, Mrs Omotayo Atewologun and the Administrative officer in charge of security matters, Mr Akeem Yekeen.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
