Odedina shines at CICAN awards nite, clinches Agricultural Performer of the Year

 Stories By Yemi Oluyemi

The  Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina has added to his feet of Awards and recognition in the field of Agriculture and especially for putting up outstanding performance in all fronts.

Odedina, whose performance in the agriculture ministry in the Gateway State since he took over has redefined the whole essence of farming and food production in the State and has catapulted Ogun State to best among equals in agricultural investments and has thus give new meaning  and lease of life to both Agripreneur and Agribusiness

This outstanding feat has attracted awards from local and international organizations and this time around, he received the “Agricultural  Performer of the Year” from the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria,CICAN, at its 2021 workshop and awards.

To set the ball rolling at the workshop which took place at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos was the CICAN Chairman, Charles Okonji. He said the association carefully selected all the awardees among all other nominees. Ho noted that all the awards are unsolicited and are based on merits.

While commenting on Dr Odedina’s award, Okonji said “We have followed your immense contributions so far and we are recommending you for this prestigious award”

While delivering his Keynote address the Chief Executive Officer, Center for Promotion of Private Enterprises.Dr. Muda Yusuf on the theme of the workshop, ” Impact of Forex crisis on the Real sector & MSMEs ” lamented the effects of forex crisis in the manufacturing sector.

Dr Yusuf, who was the immediate past Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI) however recognized agriculture as the major beneficiary of the forex crisis.

At the event  which attracted economic experts and captains of industry in the manufacturing ,SMEs , financial institutions in the country. “Developments in the Foreign exchange aspect of the economy and its impart on the local industries took  the center stage”

Panelists including  Igwe Chris Oranus, Mr Malinson Afam Ukatu,  Mr George Onofowokan,

Director of Tree Crops,Ministry of Agriculture, Ogun State,Mr James Oyesola who represented Dr Odedina at the event and the Director General of NACCIMA , Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, were on hand to dissect issues around the theme of the workshop.

Highlight of the event was the  award ceremony, with nine awards in different categories given to out,  including the award for Advocacy for Nigeria’s Real Sector presented to Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), award for Great Strides in Wires and Cables Manufacturing in Nigeria Presented to Mr. George Onafowokan MD/ CEO Coleman Wires and Cables, award for Pioneering Tiles Production in Nigeria presented to Malinson Afam Ukatu, MD/ CEO, NISPO.,award For Sustainable Partnership with CICAN, presented to Nigeria Association Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( NACCIMA), award for Agricultural Performer of the Year presented to Dr. Adeola Odedina, Commissioner for Agriculture Ogun State.

Others include, award for Great Manufacturing Feat in Nigeria, presented to Igwe Chris Oranu , MD/ CEO, Kris Oranu group of companies, award for Standards Ambassador of the Decade, presented to Engr. Bede Egwu Obayi , Director, National Metrology Institute, SON, award for Public Officer of the Year, presented to Mrs. Zaheera Baba-ARI, MD/ CEO Nigeria Commodities Exchange and award for Sustaining Focus on Standards, presented to Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).

The event came to close around 9.00pm with a vote of thanks from Barnabas Eshiet  CICAN 2021 Award Committee Chairman.

In similar vein and n a bid to increase cassava production, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has allocated another 100 hectares of planted cassava lands to beneficiaries of Batch C, under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, at Ipagbonrin in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area. 

        Recall that the first set of 100 beneficiaries in Batch C received their lands allocation through the Ministry, at Ikenne Farm Settlement in Ikenne Local Government Area in September, 2021.

          Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said the lands allocated were provided and cleared mechanically by the State Government, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Cassava Growers Association ploughed, harrowed and planted on behalf of the beneficiaries.

          Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke, the Commissioner stated that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had mandated Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP), to provide supplementary extension services and management to the beneficiaries, as well as release of money under the loan agreement of CBN.

          The Commissioner assured that off-takers would buy the cassava tubers after harvest, saying the Ministry would continue to monitor and give necessary supports to the beneficiaries, and advised them to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement.

          “The Governor has mandated the State Agricultural Development Project to provide supplementary extension services and management of the farms and release of fund under the loan agreement of CBN. Beneficiaries should continue to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement”, he said.

          Dr. Odedina urged them to inform others of the opportunity in cassava cultivation and other crops, calling on more youths to leverage on the programme, as the future of Nigerian economy depends on agriculture.

          Addressing the participants, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye applauded Governor Abiodun for his efforts at reviving the State’s economy through agriculture, noting that anyone could benefit from the empowerment opportunities.

          Also speaking, the Chief Whip, Imeko-Afon Local Government, Hon. Jelili Akingbade, who is also a farmer, advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the farms allotted to them for maximum yields, adding that they should be faithful at refunding the loans granted them by CBN, so as to earn greater opportunities in the nearest future.

          Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Bankole Joseph expressed joy and thanked government for the gesture, saying, “this will surely boost food production in the State”.

          Highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dotun Sorunke and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye.