Behold a sprawling group photograph of eminent guests and scores of participants from all over the world at the Symposium. Arrowed from Left to Right are the President ISTRC, Prof. Andrew Westby; FUNAAB VC, Prof. Olusola Oyewole; President, Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief (Dr.) Kola Jamodu, OFR and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi.
200 Scientists from over 33 countries, cutting across all the continents of the world, on Monday converged at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), as the much talked-about 16th Triennial Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC) began earnestly on a very good note.
Better still, the incisive, thought provoking and forward looking international discuss took place at the newly constructed Professor Mahmood Yakubu Lecture Theatre, FUNAAB.
Quite a number of guests, participants and members of the University Community openly marvelled at the architectural touch and congeniality of the venue, which was tastefully adorned, in line with global standard.
The Symposium, with the theme “The Roots (And Tubers) of Development And Climate Change”, which will end on Friday, September 28 did not fall short of eminent personalities, especially top government functionaries and Elder Statesmen, most of whom graced the Opening Ceremony.
They include the Chairman of the occasion, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (CON) who was represented by his Technical Assistance, Dr. Mathew Fregene, the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Segun Adesegun and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Ayo Olubori.
The President of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC), Professor Andrew Westby led his members wordwide to the symposium.
Also in attendance are the Paramount Ruler and Alake of Egbaland, HRM (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo who was represented by the Regent of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole, the former Judge of International Court, Hague, Netherlands, His Excellency, Prince Bola Ajibola, former Minister of Agriculture and President, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu, OFR, among others.
The turn-out of the leadership of the University was quite impressive. They include the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole; other Principal Officers, Deans and Directors.
For some of the participants, who were armed with portable camera, it was a symposium mixed with adventure, as they spent time taking shots of the University’s beautiful landscape with utmost sense of satisfaction.