Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; Olofa of Offa.
The Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) has honoured Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and seven others for their contributions to the development of agriculture in the state.
The naijaroyaltyculture.blogspot.com reports that the event, held at Landmark University’s Auditorium in Omu-Aran, Kwara on Monday, was part of activities to mark the society’s 42nd annual national conference.
The conference has: ‘Emerging Challenges Facing Animal Agriculture in Nigeria and the Way Forward,” as its theme.
NAN reports that Ahmed was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Bamidele Adegoke.
The governor was honored under the society’s agriculture leadership award for sustaining the legacy of his predecessor with regards to the Shonga farm initiative in poultry and dairy production.
Ahmed in his address identified lack of capital, relevant skills acquisition and the absence of adequate information as factors hindering farmers’ inabilities to derive greater benefits from production activities.
He called for a proper education of farmers on opportunities derivable from livestock production based on adequate information for them to succeed.
The governor also suggested the adoption of valued chain concept as a way of linking producers with marketers to achieve the desired objective.
Prof. Aize Obayan, the Vice-Chancellor, Landmark University, described the organisation of the conference as timely and the desired transformation envisioned for the agriculture sector.
Obayan said such a gathering of experts in agriculture with their rich experiences possessed undeniable wherewithal at finding solutions to the burden of food insecurity and agriculture production in general.
Also, Prof. Augustine Ani, the NSAP President, said the society would continue to influence positively, government’s policies and programmes, especially, in the field of animal production.
He said the society would continue to work for the wellbeing of the generality of Nigerians.
He said the theme of the conference was chosen to reflect the current economic meltdown facing the nation and to proffer practical solutions through promoting animal production.
Similarly, Professor Istifanus Dafwang, in a keynote address, stated that the challenges facing animal agriculture had been on for long.
He challenged scientists, technologists and political office holders to provide reasonable solutions to the menace.
Dafwang listed inconsistency in government policies, corruption and incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers as factors militating against animal production.
Prof. Sueliman Bogoro, the immediate past Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Prof. Gerald Akpa, the immediate past Dean of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University,(ABU) Zaria, were pronounced as fellows of the society at the ceremony.
Mr Leye Alayande of Hybrid Feeds, Kaduna, Mr Ayo Alade of Dayntee Farms, Alhaji Aremu Aromokeye of Aromokeye Pharmaceutical Company and Shonga Farms Holding received the industry awards.
Also, Oba Charles Ibitoye of Omu-Aran and Oba Muftau Gbadamosi of Offa were honoured for ensuring enabling and peaceful environments in their communities that allowed education and agriculture to thrive.
The society’s academic award was also conferred on
Master Moyebi John of Landmark University bagged the society’s academic award being the best student among those going to their final year in Animal Science in the 2016/2017 academic session.
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