IAR&T Commissions New Station in Osun, Reaffirm Commitment to Food Security
The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 officially inaugurated its new Station and commissioned the Office Building at Imesi-Ile, Osun State.
The Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. A. S. Bamire and the Institute Delegation, led by the Director, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin paid homage to the Palace of the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, HRM Oba (Engr) Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, where they were warmly received by him and his Chiefs-in-Council before proceeding to the venue of the event.
The grand ceremony, which had in attendance distinguished Guests, began with a welcome address delivered by the Director of the Host Institution, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin. In his remarks, he commended the effort of the Kabiyesi and the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), led by the National President, Barr. Samuel Olusola Agbeluyi, FCA, mni. He reiterated the Institute’s commitment to food security through research, innovation and technology development. He appreciated everyone for their presence and wished them an eventful day.
While delivering his speech, the Royal Host, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, Oba (Engr) Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II seized the medium to appreciate the Institute Management for making the dream project a reality. He urged the Indigenes to maximize the presence of IAR&T for community and national benefit.
Speaking on the exposition of the Imesi-Ile Station, the Head of Crop and Livestock Production Unit, IAR&T and Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Prof. J. A. Adetumbi traced the trajectory of the Station’s establishment. He acknowledged the IPA’s funding of the office building and land donation for farm operations.
The National President of the Association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, FCA, mni, while delivering his speech also appreciated all the donors to the cause both home and abroad, and seized the medium to encourage other Federal Institutions to partner with the town, “as the Imesi-Ile community, though small in landmass, but big in ambition and aspirations, is open to advancement and progress”, he added. He disclosed the Association’s plan to bring the permanent site of the Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile closer to the Institute’s Station.
However, as a way of encouraging the farmers in the Community, a symbolic presentation of improved Maize seeds was made and this session was delivered by the Deputy Director of the Institute, Prof. D. J. Ogunniyan. He reiterated the Institute’s resolve to producing quality seeds and ascertained them of high yields, urging the farmers to be committed to good agricultural practices.
Prior to goodwill messages, a local cultural group from the Community thrilled the audience with a very powerful and awesome performance, elevating the spirit of invited guests and refreshing their minds.
In delivering goodwill messages, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Osun State, Alhaji Wahab Bello, on behalf of the farmers, appreciated the Institute for the kind gesture and promised the seeds will be used maximally with expectation of good and positive feedback. The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. Femi Ajayi seized the medium to interact with the farmers in native language, imploring them to capitalize on the opportunity of having a Research Institute in their domain. He narrated a story to echo his food-for-thought to the farmers and wished the Institute continued success.
In addition, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Dr. J. O. Bifarin extended his appreciation to the King, IPA and Institute Management for the beautiful project and development brought to Imesi-Ile, stressing the importance of the Institute’s presence for the Students of the Polytechnic. According to him, “partnership with the Institute is guaranteed for the training of my students. It would be a good avenue for acquiring practical knowledge and skills development”. Also, the Second-in-Command, High Chief Olatunde Aluko (The Obaala of Imesi-Ile) also wished for the success of the Institute and assured the security of all personnel and properties of the Institute.
Finally, the Immediate Past Director of the Institute, Prof. V. A. Obatolu offered her comments. She emphasized on the importance of the project, tracing the starting point and believed, the reality of the Station during the reign of the present Director is a great achievement and would do humanity good. She appreciated the community for their effort and positive contributions to the project.
Following the goodwill messages, the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire delivered his speech. In his remarks, he expressed his gratitude to the Kabiyesi and the Indigenes, and by extension the IPA executives for the warm reception and opportunity for such a great project to be achieved. He emphasized the strong linkage between OAU and IAR&T, stating “the presence of IAR&T is the presence of the Obafemi Awolowo University”. He urged farmers to adopt good practices and lauded the Institute’s capacity to solve agricultural challenges.
The IPA, led by its President made a presentation of Awards to some important personalities for their great and positive contributions towards the achievement of the project. Honorees included, the Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Vice Chancellor, Director, Former Director, Deputy Director and, Former Deputy Director respectively.
The Secretary to the Institute, Mr. Adeboye Popoola gave the vote of thanks. On behalf of the Institute Management, he appreciated the presence of all Dignitaries and guests for gracing the occasion. He wished them safe journey to their respective destinations.
Consequently, the Director coordinated the unveiling of the Station, while the Vice Chancellor officially commissioned the office edifice. The National President of IPA, who dedicated one of the Chiefs, led guests on a tour of the office complex.
Also present were, the Chiefs-in-Council of Imesi-Ile; the DVC (Academic), OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof. G. A. Aderounmu; the Rector of the Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Dr. J. O. Bifarin; the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi; Divisional Officer, NSCDC, Imesi-Ile, Mr. Wale Elijah; the Chairman, Agriculture and Food Infrastructure Committee of IPA, Mr. Femi Adelugba; Prof. B. O. Adisa (Agric Extensionist), Faculty of Agric., OAU, Ile-Ife; Chairman, IPA (Home Branch), Chief Adeoye (Jagunmolu of Imesi-Ile); Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun State, Apostle Ajayi Paul and; Secretary of CAN, Osun State, Prophet Elijah Aletan.
In addition, the Head of Accounts, Mr. Michael Fadipe; the College of Professors, IAR&T; Committee members; CSO, Mr. Jide Oladipo; Station Managers of Institute Outstations; farmers; security agencies and the Press were equally in attendance.
The event ended with a group photograph of dignitaries, invited guests, Committee members and Pioneer Staff of the Station (Headed by Mr. Opadare Sunday).
Ridwan Yusuff,
Public Relations Officer
