Prof. Kolawole Salako
Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB
As part of efforts towards strengthening the relationship between the University and its host communities, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako and some top officials of the Institution have paid a courtesy call on the Onimeko of Imekoland, HRM Oba Benjamin Alabi Olanite, Akanku IV and the Omola of Imala-Land, HRH Oba Moses Adelani Olabode, Odunfa II.
Professor Salako thanked the Royal Fathers for the cordial relationship with members of staff and students in their communities on their Farm Practical Year under the Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS).
According to him, the communities are pivotal to the success of COBFAS and the University would continually look into areas of improving on the existing relationship.
Professor Salako who is also the South Nigeria Coordinator of the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI), of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, noted that Imeko was part of the communities under the Initiative.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the ‘Baale Agbe’ of the community for placing the community’s development above his personal benefit, urging others to emulate him.
In his Address, the Onimeko of Imeko-Land, HRM Oba Benjamin Alabi Olanite, Akanku IV, stressed the need for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Imeko, adding that it would further open-up the community for commerce and would drastically reduce the participation of Imeko youths in smuggling activities.
Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya
Director, COBFAS
According to him, “We urge you to help in establishing a mini or Monotechnic of Agriculture that could be a feeder school like that of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife at Moor Plantation, Ibadan whereby National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Certificates are being run”.
In the same vein, at the palace of the Omola of Imala-Land, the Vice-Chancellor sounded a note of warning to the community not to associate with anyone that was not recommended by the University, saying that there are several charlatans going about to dubiously collect money from donors agencies including the Federal Government in the guise of promoting agriculture in a remote community like Imala.
Responding, the Omola of Imala-Land, HRH Oba Moses Adelani Olabode, Odunfa II, appreciated the vibrant activities of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), in the community, adding that Imala town still expects the University to do more.
The monarch who noted that arrangements for the take-off of a world-class University in Imala-Land has already been concluded, stressed that FUNAAB’s cooperation and assistance to start, was highly necessary.
Present at both palaces were Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Olowookere of the Department of Soil Science and Land Management (SS&LM), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and Dr. Olalekan Olaoye of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Farm Management (AE&FM), College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).