By Professor Yahaya Kuta

Preamble

The Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships), Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian, Provost College of Medicine and of the Postgraduate College, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Deans of other Faculties and of the Students, Directors of Institutes/Centres, Heads of Departments, Special Guests, Former Vice-Chancellors, past Registrar, my special guest and mentor; Prof Ibrahim Gambari, CFR; Dr Kole Shettima, Prof Isiaq Oloyede, Former VC (Unilorin), Former Secretary General AAU, the JAMB Registrar, the virtual participants, Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen. 

The concept of decolonising food systems in Nigeria is associated with reinstating local food sovereignty and diminishing dependence on imported food items. Nigeria’s dependence on specific food imports is a consequence of colonial legacies, further intensified by globalisation and the advocacy for modern, industrialised farming methods (Settles, 1996). To demonstrate that this is possible and achievable, few examples suffice here: 

The case of Nutrition Intervention in Decolonising Food Security in Nigeria

In a recent nutrition research project led by my humble self at the University of Ibadan, a compelling case study of how indigenous food systems can be harnessed to combat malnutrition was highlighted. The project developed and promoted affordable, nutrient-rich complementary foods using locally available ingredients as an alternative to imported baby foods (See Figures 33 to 35). One of the most significant aspects of the project is its use of locally sourced nutrient-dense ingredients, which challenges the dominance of imported commercial baby foods. Instead of imposing foreign solutions, the project trained nursing mothers in five Nigerian states (Oyo, Niger, Imo, Bayelsa, and Sokoto) on how to prepare and use indigenous complementary foods. By formulating NutriActive from local ingredients, this project disrupts the cycle of food colonialism in Nigeria by:

1. Demonstrating that indigenous crops can meet nutritional standards.
2. Strengthening local supply chains by creating a demand for locally grown ingredients.
3. Encouraging policy integration of indigenous complementary foods into national nutrition programmes.

This is in line with one of the key objectives of Nigeria’s agricultural policies that aims to recapture domestic markets that have been lost to imported goods. Through strategic investments in modern processing facilities and quality control systems, local products can achieved competitive quality standards while maintaining lower prices compared to imports.

The “Buy Local” Campaign 

The “Buy Local” campaign, launched in partnership with retailers and consumer organizations, has significantly increased awareness of, and preference for locally produced food. Market surveys indicate that 70% of consumers now prefer local products, citing better freshness and affordability (International Trade Centre [ITC], 2023). Additionally, investment in cold chain infrastructure has enabled local producers to maintain year-round supply of perishable goods, further strengthening their market position.

Sectorial Potentials in Food Security Decolonisation: Livestock to The Rescue

Livestock Statistics in Nigeria

In 2021, the livestock population in Nigeria displayed a clear hierarchy. Figure 38 presents livestock statistics as at year 2021. This distribution highlights the agricultural significance of poultry, goats, and sheep, which play crucial roles in both the food system and the economy of Nigeria’s rural areas. A study by Olawuyi et al. (2020) noted that the urbanisation of the population has led to increased demand for eggs and chicken meat, pushing the growth of the poultry industry in West Africa, including Nigeria. 

Economic Contributions of Livestock (2021)

In terms of its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, livestock represented a modest yet vital portion of the national GDP (Figure 39). While the livestock sector contributes around 2-5% of Nigeria’s GDP (World Bank, 2021), its role in rural economies is disproportionately significant. The sector’s development is pivotal to the economic empowerment of small-scale farmers and rural populations, which, in turn, contributes to greater socio-economic stability in Nigeria.

Livestock Population Growth (2011-2023)

The livestock population in Nigeria has seen a steady increase between 2011 and 2023 (Figure 40). This growth trajectory suggests that Nigeria’s livestock sector is expanding in response to urbanisation and increased demand for protein-rich animal products, particularly poultry.  The economic and social importance of livestock reveals a marked increase in global livestock contribution to agricultural GDP from 15% in the 1980s to 40% in the 2010s. 

Challenges in livestock industry

As heartwarming as statistics about livestock are and demonstrable potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economy, the challenges within Nigeria’s livestock and dairy sectors are numerous, including low breed quality, insufficient feed resources, poor infrastructure, and insecurity. Figure 43 illustrates some of the challenges in the livestock and dairy sectors in Nigeria.   Under-funding presents a seemingly protracted challenge that birthed other challenges in the livestock sub-sector of Nigeria’s economy.  Key Points to note on livestock underfunding in Nigeria among others are, low investment in livestock infrastructure, lack of Research and Development funding, inadequate and decline in government budget allocation, and limited access to finance for livestock farmers. 

Special Interventions in Livestock Sector

In the most recent times attention has been focused on livestock improvement programmes. Some of these are as illustrated here.

National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)

The National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) was introduced as a strategic policy to address key challenges in the livestock sector, including conflicts between farmers and herders, and low productivity. Some of these programmes are presented in graphics from Figures 48-52. 

National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS)

The National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) was established to track livestock from birth to slaughter, improving disease control, market access, and food safety. Figure 48 displays some of the activities of NAITS. 

National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP)

The National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) aims to increase local dairy production by providing training, enhancing milk collection systems, and promoting cooperative formations to support dairy farmers. 

Other significant livestock intervention programme worthy of mentioning are National Pasture Development Programme (NAPDEP), National Strategic Animal Feed Development Programme, and Ruminant Livestock Intervention Programme (RULIP)

Poultry Sector as a Potential Food Security Decolonisation 

The Nigerian poultry industry is estimated at ₦80 billion ($600 million) and is comprised of approximately 165 million birds, which produced 650,000 MT of eggs and 290,000 MT of poultry meat in 2013. From a market size perspective, Nigeria’s egg production is the largest in Africa (South Africa is the next largest at 540,000 MT of eggs) and it has the 2nd largest chicken population after South Africa’s 200 million birds. In spite of many challenges bedeviling poultry industry as exemplified in imported chicken products from neighboring countries and provocative costs of feeds and other production inputs, Nigeria’s poultry industry is projected to grow at 20% annually between 2010-2020. 

Commercial Poultry Farms in Nigeria

Data in Table 15 reveals that Nigeria has around 17,000 commercial poultry farms, with a total of 45 million birds and an average flock size of 2,625. The typical market weight for broilers is between 1.2 to 1.4 kg. The relatively small average flock size suggests that while commercial poultry farming is widespread, there may be opportunities for consolidation, which could lead to better economies of scale and improved efficiency in production.

Pig Value Chain

The population of pigs in Nigeria was put at 7.5 million. Nigeria is the largest consumer of pork in Sub- Saharan Africa and is reported to rank 2nd in pig population in Africa with pork contributing 4.5% of its meat consumption. The sow is the most prolific among domestic livestock with the ability to produce 2 times a year, producing a minimum of 10 piglets /litter. If well managed, 80-85% of the piglets may reach slaughter weight of 90 kg in 6 months with a dressing percentage of up to 75%. Swine farming systems provide a large range of benefits, including food security, employment and ecosystem services.

Swine Farming Systems and Future Directions 

Swine farming in Nigeria contributes significantly to food security, employment, and ecosystem services. To improve productivity, the government and private sector must focus on enhancing animal efficiency through genetic selection, improved feeding practices, and precision farming. Establishing region-specific agricultural programmes, modernizing pig farming practices, and improving hygiene standards will address cultural and religious challenges in pig farming. 

Ranching 

With increasing population and the need to ensure food security, ranching provides an ingenious route to de-escalate food insecurity with potential to tap into export of livestock products to enhance the nation’s GDP. Ranching systems offer the potential for better control over animal health, breeding, and productivity.  A peep into Ranching Performance and Pasture Management from 1981-2022 in Figure 59 reveals that ranching performance shows a consistent increase in stocking rates over time, from 2.0 AU/ha in 1981 to 4.0 AU/ha in 2020, reflecting more intensive ranching practices. As stocking rates increased, pasture capacity also improved, peaking at 50% by 2020, suggesting better pasture management techniques. 

Pasture production 

The Commodities Development Initiative (CDI), a non-governmental initiative recently outlined an ambitious vision for Nigeria’s livestock and fodder industries. The CDI’s estimation presented two transformative partnerships scenarios namely for the Nigeria Red Meat Partnership and the Nigeria Fodder Partnership. The Red Meat Partnership aims for an annual production of 35,200 MT, generating US$221.2 million (N337.9 billion) in revenue and creating over 500,000 jobs. Similarly, the Fodder Partnership targets N132 billion in revenue through the production of alfalfa and Rhodes grass, involving a comprehensive supply chain of farmers, service providers, and public agencies. Both partnerships have the potential to evolve into national councils, solidifying their long-term impact. 

The job creation trend (Figure 61) shows a steady increase in job creation from 1 million in 2025 to 1.35 million in 2032 highlighting the potential for socio-economic transformation, particularly in rural and northern regions. This reflects the catalytic effect of CDI’s partnerships in livestock and fodder sectors, while the revenue trends for Fodder (Figure 62) shows revenue projections for Alfalfa and Rhodes grass which demonstrate the substantial economic potential of fodder exports, with an estimated total revenue of N132 billion by 2032. 

Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC): the game changer 

The role of the PLRIC since its inauguration by Mr Presidents has been extensively dealt with in the past presentation of this lecture. But it is worthy of note that the livestock reform initiatives being driven by Mr. President, have already been attracting key international trading partners to invest in the sector. 

On October 24, 2024, at the State House Banquet Hall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while declaring open the Stakeholders Consultative Workshop Open, made the following declarations:

Let me first of all congratulate the presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation committee, their dedication and commitment are very reassuring, our shared mission is clear: to transform the livestock sector from its current subsistence model into a thriving, commercialised industry. Yes, we can do it, we can bring prosperity to our people. Foreign investors are already asking questions “how will we collaborate”. The committee, the Ministry and I will do everything possible to attract them.
We are going to give it all it takes, from reforms to realisation of our dream and ambition. I stand before you, fully committed to this.

The Investors Begin to Show Investment Interest 

For example, JBS S.A. (a Brazilian Company) a global leader in meat processing and export has announced readiness to invest $2.5 billion in the sector, signed a letter of intent with the FG. Saudi Arabia has made some commitments, and USA and China have expressed interest or have given indication of willingness to invest. The recent tour by JBS S.A to explore investment opportunities in the livestock sector of Nigeria’s economy reveals the monumental potential of livestock sector to change the Nigeria’s food security narratives. The delegation visited farms, feed mills, feed lots, abattoirs, processing plants and special agro-processing zones, thereby gaining valuable insights into Nigeria’s livestock sector and its potential for sustainable growth. A quick overview of the insights from the tour and lessons learned as well as recommendations will not be out of place, among which are:

 Insights 

1. There is a clear market for quality meat and value-added products, particularly in urban hubs like Lagos. 
2. Investments in cold chain logistics, feed supply, and land tenure reforms are crucial. 
3. Developing industry standards and enforcing quality assurance protocols will pave the way for premium branding and market differentiation
4. Retail channels are well-established, but improvements in cold chain logistics, product differentiation, and standardised grading will enhance consumer trust and widen market share. 
5. Investments in transport infrastructure and storage facilities are critical to ensuring timely product distribution and minimising losses along the value.
6. Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones support varied livestock subsectors (dairy, poultry, beef). 
7. Government and private sector initiatives, when well-coordinated, can produce self-sustaining, value-added supply chains. 

Food Sovereignty in Nigeria: The Need for Change

In Nigeria, the current food system is heavily influenced by industrial agriculture and multinational corporations, often leading to a loss of local knowledge, environmental degradation, and economic inequities. However, food sovereignty offers a way to shift the control back to local communities and farmers, enabling them to take charge of their own food systems. This approach could help mitigate some of Nigeria’s major agricultural challenges, such as Food insecurity and hunger, overcoming the negative consequences of climate change, namely, droughts, floods, and shifting weather patterns as well as loss of biodiversity amplified over-reliance on monoculture crops and industrial farming techniques has led to the erosion of Nigeria’s agricultural biodiversity.

Steps Forward for Nigeria

To achieve food sovereignty, Nigeria can adopt the following strategies:

1. There is a need for strong, coherent policies that support food sovereignty at both local and national levels. 
2. Nigeria can invest in the training and empowerment of farmers, especially women and youth, to use traditional knowledge and modern agroecological practices that respect the environment.
3. Strengthening local food systems and markets can help reduce the dependency on imports and allow local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, thus ensuring fair prices for both.
4. Nigeria must foster a participatory approach to food system design. By involving communities in decision-making processes, the country can create food systems that reflect local needs and cultural practices.

Food sovereignty is an emerging concept in Nigeria that is seen as a potential pathway to address the country’s food security challenges, environmental sustainability, and economic inequality. The graphs provide compelling evidence that achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes local control, sustainable agricultural practices, and economic justice (via fair wages and rights for smallholder farmers).

Conclusions

1. The review of Nigeria’s agricultural sector highlights the critical challenges and opportunities facing the country’s journey toward achieving food security and economic development. Transforming food security in Nigeria requires not only a focus on agricultural production but also a concerted effort to overhaul the existing systems, structures, and paradigms governing the sector. This transformation is imperative for reshaping food security in a way that fosters long-term sustainability, equity, and economic growth. Nigeria’s agricultural sector, despite its vast potential, remains deeply constrained by systemic inefficiencies and deeply ingrained issues.
2. From the experiences of rapidly growing developing nations, it is evident that achieving food security and alleviating poverty is possible with determined political will and visionary leadership. By prioritizing justice, equality, and the rule of law, nations can improve the livelihoods of their citizens and foster the economic empowerment of the underprivileged. However, Nigeria’s journey toward a secure and resilient food system has been hindered by a variety of factors, including regional disparities, violent conflicts, climate change, diseases, population growth, environmental degradation, and inadequate government support for small-scale farmers. These challenges have compounded food insecurity in the country, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, where the most vulnerable populations reside.
3. The historical context of Nigeria’s agricultural sector reveals that colonial interests primarily shaped the country’s agricultural structure, emphasizing cash crops like rubber, cocoa, palm oil, and groundnuts, which were grown for export purposes. After independence, Nigeria’s agricultural sector suffered from neglect, as the focus shifted toward oil exportation, mismanagement, and insufficient infrastructure development. As a result, agricultural development took a backseat, impacting the overall economic stability and food security of the nation. These past shortcomings have left deep scars in the sector that are still being felt today.
4. Despite these setbacks, Nigeria has seen notable growth in the production of crops like cassava, rice, and groundnuts, which are central to its food security. This growth presents a promising opportunity for Nigeria to increase agricultural exports and improve its domestic food security. However, to realize this potential, significant investments are needed in infrastructure, research, and policy reforms aimed at fostering sustainability and resilience within the agricultural sector. The existing challenges—such as unstable land tenure systems, limited access to finance, outdated farming practices, and inadequate infrastructure—continue to constrain the agricultural sector’s expansion and limit its contributions to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
5. Despite these challenges, Nigerian governments have taken several steps to address agricultural shortcomings through various interventions. These interventions, however, have often favoured crop production and overlooked the livestock subsector, which has the potential to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s food security, job creation, and economic recovery. While some interventions have had a positive, albeit marginal, impact on small-scale farmers’ livelihoods, they have also been marred by policy inconsistencies, corruption, and a lack of infrastructural support. Moving forward, these interventions must become more holistic, addressing both crops and livestock, and ensuring that policies are implemented effectively and sustainably.
6. To move forward and achieve food security in Nigeria, it is essential to implement reforms that tackle the root causes of the sector’s challenges. These reforms must be comprehensive and involve all levels of governance—federal, state, and local governments—to ensure effective policy coordination and implementation. The livestock subsector, with its potential for food decolonisation and its critical role in enhancing Nigeria’s food security and nutrition, should be given particular attention. States like Niger and Borno have already begun to integrate both crop and livestock agriculture in their economic recovery strategies, setting a positive example for the rest of the nation. This integrated approach can serve as a model for how to address Nigeria’s food insecurity while also fostering sustainable economic development.
7. Additionally, the livestock sector holds great potential to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria, particularly in poultry, pork, and cattle industries, and along the value chains of these enterprises. However, challenges such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate cold storage facilities, security concerns in certain regions, and complex tax and port procedures could limit the inflow of foreign investment. Overcoming these challenges is vital for creating a thriving livestock industry that can support sustainable development and improve food security in Nigeria. There needs to be an environment conducive to investment and growth, with reforms in infrastructure, security, and the business climate to encourage both domestic and international investments.
8. In summary, the Nigerian agricultural sector holds great promise for securing food and driving economic recovery. However, realizing this potential requires systemic reforms, infrastructural investment, and targeted interventions across both crop and livestock agriculture. With the right leadership and political will, Nigeria can overcome its agricultural challenges and build a food-secure future for its people. Agriculture must be viewed not just as a means of food production, but as a central pillar of economic transformation, driving rural development and ensuring the prosperity of all Nigerians.
9. Nigeria’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture, offering the country a unique opportunity to address its deep-rooted challenges of food insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment. While the country is endowed with vast natural resources such as fertile land and a youthful population, it has struggled with systemic issues, including the neglect of agriculture in favour of oil, poor infrastructure, conflicts, outdated agricultural practices, and poor governance. These factors have left the sector stagnant, and food security remains elusive. However, there is significant potential for agriculture to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure food security. Achieving this vision requires a multifaceted, comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of stagnation and builds on the country’s strengths, such as its indigenous agricultural knowledge, youthful labour force, and natural resources. By embracing modern agricultural technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusive policies, Nigeria can transform its agricultural landscape and create a food-secure future.
10. The agricultural transformation that Nigeria needs must be guided by reforms that promote inclusive growth, equitable access to resources, and sustainable development. A focus on smallholder and family farmers, especially women and youth, will be crucial in driving this transformation. Additionally, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies and fostering public-private partnerships are essential to addressing the various challenges in the agricultural sector. Rural infrastructure development, policy reforms, capacity building, and addressing conflicts will create the necessary environment for agricultural growth and food security. These reforms must also address issues of equity, ensuring that all Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, benefit from the agricultural sector’s growth and prosperity.
11. Leveraging technology for agricultural extension services can address several challenges facing farmers, especially those in remote and rural areas. The implementation of a chatbot system for agricultural extension would provide critical support to farmers by offering timely, actionable advice and information. This can aid in improving productivity, enhancing market access, and addressing issues related to food security.
12. The road ahead for Nigeria’s agricultural sector will not be easy, but it is achievable with concerted effort, political will, and strategic investment. The country has everything it needs to succeed: abundant natural resources, a growing population, and a rich history of agricultural knowledge. By leveraging these assets and implementing necessary reforms, Nigeria can secure its food future, improve the livelihoods of its people, and position itself as a global agricultural leader. The path to food security and economic development may be long, but with unwavering commitment, Nigeria can realize its agricultural potential and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come and eliminate poverty in the land. It is possible, we can do it, just like Brazil that has successfully conquered hunger and poverty this our modest contribution and roadmap.
13. Food sovereignty presents a powerful solution for Nigeria’s pressing challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and economic inequality. By learning from successful models across Africa, Nigeria can leverage key principles such as local control, sustainable practices, and economic justice to build a more resilient and equitable food system. The data from various charts highlight the importance of a multi-faceted approach, combining policy reforms with community-driven agricultural solutions, to ensure food security while fostering a more just distribution of resources. Adopting these principles could reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, empowering communities, protecting the environment, and promoting long-term sustainability.

Recommendations 

Among other steps, the following recommendations are proposed for stakeholders in the decolonization agenda

• Revise Agricultural Policies to Reflect Local Realities
• Empower Smallholder Farmers, Particularly Women and Youth
• Promote Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices
• Support Livestock Sector Development
• Enhance Agricultural Extension Services
• Strengthen Public Awareness and Education
• Foster Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
• Invest in Agricultural Research and Innovation
• Promote Accountability and Political Will
• Revitalize Agricultural Infrastructure
• Address Conflict and Displacement
• Enhance Social Protection Programs
• Promote Diversified Food Systems
• Invest in Urgent Infrastructure Rehabilitation
• Enhance the LAKAJI Corridor
• Implement Coordinated Security Operations
• Utilize Technology-Driven Surveillance
• Encourage Local Cultivation of Feed Crops
• Establish Livestock Clusters
• Expand Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs)
• Partner with International Stakeholders for Capacity Building  
• Introduce Digital Platforms for Market Intelligence
• Facilitate Investment in Meat Processing Operations
• Incentivize Tanneries and Leather Processors
• Launch Agribusiness Incubators and Youth Entrepreneurship Programs
• Micro-Credit and Technology Access for Farmers
• Develop National Quality Standards and Branding Programs
• Strengthen Financial Support Mechanisms
• Promote Interdisciplinary Policy Coordination.
• Special intervention for research and training in agriculture especially exposure to modern technologies that reduce drudgery by TETFUND, UN agencies and other partners. 

Finally, I am confident that my team will further explore other possibilities around the presence of Profssor Ibrahim Gambari, Dr Kole Shettima and other key national and international actors to advance frontiers in philanthropy and support to what is worthwhile venture. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

First and foremost, I like to return all praises and adoration to Almighty Allah (SWT), the Creator of heaven and earth and all that dwell in them; the first without a beginning and the last without an end; the Beneficent and most Merciful, the Master of the day of Judgement and He who we depend on for sustenance and ceaseless blessings.

I acknowledge the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale mni, FAS for granting the approval for me to deliver the 45th University Lecture and special thanks to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, Professors Peter Olapegba (DVC Admin) and Yemisi Bamgbose SAN (DVC RISP) for lending unreserved support in the processes that led to this day. I am equally most grateful to the Registrar, the University Librarian, the Bursar, and other management support staff. 

I also like to specially thank the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Professor A. B. Omojola for nominating me for this task. I consider this a great honour, and I do not take this for granted, In the same token, my special gratitude goes to the Head of Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Professor Stella O. Odebode and other distinguished colleagues for invoking the spirit of togetherness. Special appreciation to crop of dedicated faculties led by Prof Femi Adebiyi constituted by the the Dean that lend support for the scrutiny of my submissions. 

Let me particularly also appreciate the tireless efforts of Prof Rasak Olajide, Prof Taofeeq Yekinni and Prof Kehinde Thomas, awesome Dr Hassan Muhammad as well as Dr Hakeem Kareem and Abdulmalik Petgrave for your special roles. And to Prof Toyin Falola, your foundation works on decolonisation is gathering momentum and I am a beneficiary and flying the banner for real.

To my mentor, Professor Janice Olawoye for the lifeline of recommending me for appointment as Assistant Lecturer in 1995 and Prof A.B.O.O. Oyediran for the gracious approval of my appointment as Assistant Lecturer on July 11, 1995. I also acknowledge Professor Olufemi Bamiro for appointing me as Director of University Media Centre and the approval and subsequent release of N2.3m in 2005 that gave me the opportunity to renovate the centre and other senior colleagues and the team that worked on the blueprint and actualization of the flagship Campus Radio – Diamond FM 101.1. 

I also acknowledge other past Vice Chancellors, immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS; thanks for your unequalled recommendation and belief. I respectively recognize Professor Omoniyi Adewoye, Prof Ayodele Falase, Professor Isaac Adewole. 

I like to specially thank His Excellency, Farmer Dr Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Executive Governor of Niger State for your uncommon commitment to quality leadership, service delivery and indeed the melting point of agricultural revolution in sub-Sahara Africa that is both appealing and inspiring. I thank you for all the support, affection, kindness laced with courtesies in many ways. I also like to appreciate UI Ambassador extraordinary persona, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, The Executive and Action loaded Governor of Borno State for his total spirit of humanism, character and friendship beyond measure. It is with every sense of responsibility that I acknowledge with respect and honour Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, OON, CON (Talban Minna), our boss and Chief servant, former Governor of Niger State (2007-2015) and members of his immediate family. My mentor, Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, the Prince, Academic, Diplomat, Technocrat and Gentleman. I acknowledge the significant impact of the MacArthur Foundation Fund for Leadership Development Programme in Nigeria in my career, which is unquantifiable considering the responsibility of the last few years as a catalyst in Social Engineering.  I thank the pioneer Country Director, Prof Bolanle Awe and African Director, Dr Kole Shettima, the longest serving director and unsung hero of Nigeria’s development, and to you Prof Isiaq Oloyede, a brother, mentor, and friend over the years and ever ready to support and encourage me.

I wish to also express gratitude and acknowledge my mentors, particularly, my scholarship pathfinder, Professor Terry Olowu of blessed memory, and on another planet Prof Abiodun Falusi; your powerful words continue to resonate in all I do and his dear wife Prof Mrs Adeyinka Falusi who attended all the lectures. 

I cannot forget league of friends; Sulaiman Sauki, Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed, Ambassador Shehu Mohammed, Ambassador John Nma Usman, Amb Ndaman, Am Sidi Ladan, Amb Shehu Nma and overall Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, the Director General all from the Diplomatic arena. It is with nostalgic memories that I remember one particular member of this squad Ahmed Mohammed Umar of blessed memory who bought me the UI PG form for 35 Naira. And late sister, Prof Safiya Yahaya Daniyan who passed on just a few months to this lecture! May her Rest in Aljannah Fridausi (She was here during my graduation in 1996 and inaugural lecture in July 2019). I am consoled by the torch bearer Ahmed Mohammed Umar (Jnr), Dr Engr. Abdullahi Daniyan (AI Expert in the UK; Aisha, Fatima and Yahaya (my Big Daddy)

 

I benefitted immensely from many individuals at different stages in my life. I acknowledge indelible mark laid by Mr Sunday Babalola at LEA Primary School Kuchi who made me an interpreter. I also acknowledge Mallam Yahaya Liman, my Headmaster, for challenging me to answer questions. While Mallam Yahaya Usman made me a teacher early in life at GTC Wushishi when he trusted me to record all the results of his students. 

I sincerely remember Mallam Hamzat, the late Mr Julius Gana and our eloquent Vice Principal, Alhaji Musa Zago, Mr Banji Adeniran and all of GTC Wushishi. My classmates, Ibrahim Tswachi Zubairu (WOSA National President), Dr Sadiq Mohammed (Gen Sec) and B. M. Dzukogi; literary icon, Ben Benson, Ambassador John Usman, Paul Mamman, Usman Liman and other schoolmates like Bar Mahmud Magaji (SAN), Pastor Yemi Owolabi and Bar Danjuma Mohammed.   

I appreciate the members of staff of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, a united family under one God. I sincerely appreciate members of the department for their various roles in this sojourn. 

I hereby acknowledge a number of leaders who at some point in time influenced my life positively. I am particularly grateful to my Royal Father, HRH Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Chairman Niger Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Coordinating Committee National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, for his uncommon love in and out of government like no other. I appreciate the unique support from Prof Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. He has been a consistent pillar of support in critical ways.

 

According to Bob Marley, “True friends are like stars; you can only recognize them when it is dark around you”. In light of this, I like to recognise my dear friends who continued to stand by me and encourage me at the most difficult times in my career. I am particularly indebted to Maj. Gen. M.I. Gana (Rtd), Maj. Gen. M. A. Garba (Rtd), Mallam Muhammad Haruna, Dr Sulaiman Ndanusa, former DG SEC (Jarin Nupe), Gen. C. G. Musa (CDS), Brigadier General M. S. Alikali, Barrister (Dr) Mohammed Ndarani (SAN) and other too numerous to mention. I also appreciate Rtd CG, Liman Ibrahim, Former Controller General of Fire Service, and Ambassador Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’aji, MFR, and Alhaji Mohammed Dattijo Usman, Former Registrar FUT Minna, and National Commissioner NPC. Thank you very much.  

I would like to acknowledge other distinguished elders of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Emerita Grace O.  Longe, Prof Adeniyi Togun, Professor Kola Ewete (my fierce but fair and just Hall Warden in Balewa), and Professor Dele Fawole. I acknowledge the significant impact of the MacArthur Foundation Fund for Leadership Development Programme in Nigeria in my career, which is unquantifiable considering the responsibility of the last few years as a catalyst in Social Engineering.  

I wish to appreciate the entire UI Muslim Community for their confidence in me and indeed support for me during our Executive Council era. I use our spiritual leader, Chief Imam of the UIMC, Prof Abdulraman Oloyede as a point of contact to appreciate all members and executives of UIMC. 

Lt Gen Abdulraman Dambazzau, CFR, Ph. D. and all members of the Board of the University Advancement Centre that I have had the rare privilege to interact with. To all those who have come from far and near to honour me today, you have all automatically become friends of UI and by virtue of my position in the UI Advancement Centre you have all been so recognised and will be duly contacted in the future and farmer Governor Umar Bago, Prof Ibrahim Gambari are already aware of this inevitable development.

To my family members, I pay special tribute to my late father who was ready to provide all the necessary support for my education at the expense of my selfish and egocentric desires like insisting on buying all the books including mattress in my year four. I started life with the ‘cashless policy’ early in life through my father’s tough control measures. Today, I am better for it and a preacher of the same principles that I strongly objected to as a young person. May Allah reward him with Aljannah Firdaus (Amin).  I will ever remain grateful to my centenarian beloved mother for teaching me the practices of the Quranic doctrine about patience- Ina llaha ma’a Assabirin “Truly! Allah is with the patient” (Quran 2:153). Indeed, she is an exceptionally patient person with such fertile memory of events of 95 years ago. She is an epitome of womanhood and humanism worthy of emulation to arrive the promise land without fear of intimidation, frustration, setbacks, delays, trials or travails of any sort. May Allah reward her with Aljannah for her unbelievable sacrifices. I remember with great affection, a man who was three-in-one to me – son, brother and friend- in person of the late Ahmed Mohammed Umar for his role in my growing up years. His words remain imprinted on marble despite disagreements with me most times, which worked for me in difficult situations. I acknowledge my wives, Hajiya Hajara M. Yahaya and Hauwa M. Yahaya for their collaborative efforts in this wonderful outing. To the children led by their big sister, Rahmat who had to fly in from San Francisco to reunite with Mohammed Baba, Yahaya (Jnr) Babangida, Usman Sabir, Abubakar Sultan and home-made comfortable for them by their Ibadan family members of Dr. Mikhail Abdulsalam, Mrs Nafisat Mikhail, baby Maryam, Mohammed (Jnr) and Mahmuda. I salute my grandchildren Abdulrahman (my best), Rahma (The genius), Ibrahim and my son-in-law Dr. Bashir Mohammed.  

Finally, I appreciate Mr. Mohammmed Oladejo and his team in the University press for the wonderful job. To all my students at the University of Ibadan, I feel greatly fulfilled after over three decades of sojourn and mutual intellectual interaction and those students I taught briefly in secondary school that have made their marks and making waves; Prof Abdul Ibrahim Doko-(DVC, Admin ABU Zaria), Prof Jacob Tsado; Professor of Electronic Engineering (DVC Academic, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna),  Prof Usman Alhassan Defyan; Professor of Geophysics. Because Prof Theophilus Adama in 1983 predicted that I was going to make a good teacher and I hated him for a long time since he had nothing to wish me but to be a teacher but today, sir, you are vindicated as they say the rest is history.   To all my friends in the corporate and political turfs, as well as other friends and admirers from far and near, I salute you all. 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for your patience. May God bless you for your kind attention.