The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako, cutting the tape of the newly constructed shed by C:AVA and being assisted by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Lateef Sanni, the Lukosi of Ifo Land, Chief Omotola Adebowale and The “Igbakeji” Baba Oja, Chief Musiliudeen Aderibigbe.
It was a joyous moment for Cassava processors and end users at the popular Ifo Fufu Market as the Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (CAVA 2) with compliment of FUNAAB upscaled their shed by giving it a new face lift.
Unveiling the project, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako appreciated the stakeholders in the market disclosing that Ifo is by extension his hometown, as his mother was an indigene of the town and used to bring him along on visitation as a boy.
Professor Salako pointed out that, one of the mandate of the University is Extension Services, and as such University is always happy to see to the development of Farmers and Rural dwellers that are engaged in farming.
He tasked the market women and men to make judicious use of the place, noting that most of the money used to carry out the project were given by foreign donors, whose interests lies in the proper usage of the amenities.
Speaking earlier, the Country Manager of C:AVA, Professor Lateef Sanni traced the beginning of relationship with fufu market to about 20 years ago when himself, Professor Adewale Dipeolu and Professor Idris Ayinde started partnering for development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako, flanked from right by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Lateef Sanni and from left, by the Babaloja of Fufu Market, Ifo, Alhaji Waheed Lateef and other Principal Officers of the University in a group photograph with fufu market women.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of C:AVA, Professor Adebayo tasked the users on hygiene and proper usage of the shed, informing that CAVA presence is not only in Nigeria, but in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.
Earlier, welcoming FUNAAB’s team, the Babaloja of the Ifo, Fufu Market, Alhaji (Chief) Waheed Lateef appreciated the gesture of CAVA and FUNAAB towards the provision of the shed for the use of the people, which according to him, will increase the productivity of the people.
He equally appealed for more support from CAVA, especially in the reconstruction of other dilapidated sheds in the Market and the bridge linking to Vespa Bus Stop, in order to ease transportation of goods to and from the Market.
In addition, the Lukosi of Ifo Land, Chief Omotola Adebowale appreciated FUNAAB and all stakeholders in the Market on behalf of the Oba of Ifo.
He charged all concerned to work together in unity for the interest of the Market, noting that being an ex-FUNAABite, he was highly elated when he was informed that CAVA and FUNAAB is coming to renovate the sheds in the Market.