By Raphael Ede Enugu
Th e Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to speak on food security and Nigeria’s preparedness to diversify its economy using agriculture as a lever at 50th anniversary of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), today in Ibadan. In a statement yesterday, IITA, through its communication expert, Godwin Atser, said the Prof Osinbajo would lead other dignitaries and leaders from scientifi c research, education, and corporate organisations from African countries and beyond. Atser said Osinbajo would be joined by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is also IITA Goodwill Ambassador.
Th e acting president according to the statement would address over 300 international, regional, and national experts, and to further unveil the country’s thinking towards agriculture especially in the context of economic diversifi cation. He will also speak on the critical role of IITA— Africa’s biggest international agricultural research institute— in the transformation of Africa’s agriculture. IITA Director – General, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, saidthe world is waiting for Nigeria to take leadership in the agricultural space and the acting president’s message would be critical in helping participants to understand the country’s agricultural development agenda. “Since our inception 50 years ago, IITA has evolved into a strategic partner for researchfor-development in sub-Saharan Africa with over 200 scientists working in over 18 countries.
