A representative of the Bill and Melinda Gates’ Foundation and Cassava Adding Value for Africa (C: AVA) Project Manager, Mr. Russel Woo, has commended the University for all its efforts towards alleviating hunger and poverty in the country and its environs.
He gave the commendation when he paid a Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun.
According to him, the Foundation is pleased to know that the University, through its various programmes has helped in reducing hunger among the poor, appreciating the Management of the University for sharing the Foundation’s missions and visions.
He also disclosed that the Foundation is looking forward to the future, stating that there is still more to do in order to alleviate hunger and poverty.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Segun Lagoke, the Vice-Chancellor expressed the University’s delight to be part of the Bill and Melinda Gates’ Foundation’s initiative.
According to him, UNAAB has benefitted a lot from the Foundation, stating that through the Agricultural Media Research and Extension Centre (AMREC), it has been able to enhance the capacities of Farmers in the growing and processing of cassava.
The Vice-Chancellor also said that, the Foundation, through its support has made the University to be more relevant to Farmers and the institution has been able to maintain a good rapport with them and the processors.
He reiterated that the University will continue to support any programme that will help to alleviate hunger and ensure food security in the country and in Africa, at large.
He implored the Foundation to do more so as to improve the plight of farmers.
In her Remarks, the Director, Agricultural Media Research and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. (Mrs.) Carolyn Afolami, thanked the Foundation for the support the Centre has received from it.
She said the Centre, through the Foundations programme has helped to improve and enhance the capacities of farmers in growing and processing cassava.
She disclosed that the services of the Centre spreads across three local governments in the State which are, Odeda, Obafemi Owode and Abeokuta North Local Governments, adding that, the Centre still hopes to cover more local governments.
She later called on the Foundation to further help the Centre, so as to be able to reach other Farmers in some other local government and to improve on the existing ones.
In the same vein, the Country Manager, Cassava Adding Value for Africa (C: AVA) Project, Prof. Lateef Sanni thanked the Management for giving them the opportunity and conducive environment to operate.