The Chronicle Media, a top-ranked media organization in Southwest Nigeria, is recognizing some prominent Nigerians as a way to applaud them for their significant impact and roles played in shaping the agricultural industry and boosting agricultural productivity over the years.
The celebration is holding at the upcoming Excellence in Agri-Business Lecture and Award ceremony, which is themed _“Roots of Progress: Recognizing Excellence in Agribusiness and Rural Development.”_ The event is slated for November 20, 2024, at Olusegun Aganga Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Excellence in Agro-Business Lecture and Award event will feature a keynote address by Professor Olorunfemi Oladapo Ogundele, an eminent figure from the Agriculture and Food Policy Department at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) Ibadan. Professor Ogundele will discuss the event’s theme and share insights on the role of agribusiness in promoting rural development and driving economic growth in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the event will be chaired by Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State. The Special Guest of Honour will be His Excellency Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State. Governor Makinde has been a strong advocate for agricultural reforms and innovation, which are key components of his administration’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.
Distinguished Nigerians to be honored at the event include Dr. Debo Akande, Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Agribusiness, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Professor Taiwo Adewumi, a renowned Agricultural Engineer and Academic, Lawon Ajoke, a renowned Snail farmer, Modupe Oyetoso, Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Smartfarm Ltd, Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa Christie, Chief Executive Officer o Farm Help Agribusiness Consult Limited, Mrs Olanike Ayo, CEO Ayo Best and the Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Omidokun Oyekunle.
According to a release by the Chief Executive Officer of Chronicle Media, Mr. Olaseeni Oyesusi, he said celebrating those that are contributing to the development of Agriculture is a way of encouraging them to do more at the same time spur others to follow suit. He said without being immodest, Agriculture is the way to go as far as food security is concerned in the country.