Presentation of Prize Award for Excellence to the Executive Director by the Grow Africa Youth Initiative

Monday, February 23, 2026, the Institute Management received on a Courtesy Visit by the delegation of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative (GAYI) led by the President, Comrade Ozim Temple at the Director’s Office.

The visit, serenaded the Director, Prof. G. A. Oluwatosin, who was awarded an Excellence Award by the Initiative for his exemplary influence and impact in agricultural research and development, as well as best practice in public service.

While delivering his speech, the President of GAYI, Comrade Ozim Temple extended warm greetings, on behalf of the entire African Youths, to the Director and seized the medium to elaborate on the mission/goal of the Initiative. According to him, “the Initiative is saddled with the responsibility of building Youth in Leadership and Entrepreneurship with the purpose of providing Africa with intellectually equipped Youths to take the mantle of leadership, in a bid to achieve the Africa of our dream”.

In view of achieving the Initiative’s objective, the President noted that the Initiative began to explore for role models, outstanding institutions, stakeholders, individuals and leaders who have distinguished themselves in various areas of endeavor for Commendation and to them, the Institute Director, Prof. G. A. Oluwatosin ticked all boxes, hence birthing the occasion of celebrating and honoring him today.

In addition, the President noted that the Director exemplify outstanding attributes, including hardwork and dedication, high administrative acumen and selfless leadership ideology, excellence in executing public assignments, people-centred policies, zero tolerance for corruption, nepotism and favoritism, lifestyle that promotes African Moral Value, and Charity to less privileged in the society, all of which are in tandem with the Kwame Nkrumah Ideology, as advanced by the Initiative.

The President also highlighted some international organizations supporting their course, including the Rwanda Chamber of Commerce and Service, Nigerian Medical Association and International Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, with a view to welcoming more on board across Africa.

The President of GAYI therefore charged the Director to not deviate from his person and encouraged him to take up his leadership prudence to a higher level, where his good policy-making and work can impact more lives across the Continent.

He concluded by praying for the Director as the latest recipient of Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence.

The Director, in his response, appreciated the team and expressed deepest gratitude for finding him worthy of the Award and Celebration. He assured the team of his continuous support and promised to be a good ambassador of the Initiative at all times. The Management team also appreciated the team and offered their goodwill messages.

Following the speech, the decoration and presentation of Award plaque took place at the Director’s Office. In reciprocating the kind gesture, the Director presented the Institute-designed Kenaf/Jute bags to the members of the GAYI team, as a little souvenir.

Other members of the GAYI Team were, Comrade Showunmi Emmanuel and the General Secretary of the Initiative, Akufo Donald. Also in attendance for the Celebration/Visit were, the Deputy Director, Prof. J. A. Adetumbi; the Secretary to the Institute, Mr. ‘Boye Popoola and; the Head of Accounts, Mr. Michael Fadipe.