IAR&T HOLDS ANNUAL SW REFILS WORKSHOP

The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) held its 37th Annual South West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (SW-REFILS) at the Prof. E. A. Adebowale Training Hall, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, March 24 – 26, 2026.

The 3-Day ev  ent, with the theme _”Transforming Agriculture through Innovations, Climate Resilience and Value Chain Development for Food Security”_, had the Opening Ceremony, with VIPs and dignitaries in attendance, today, March 24, 2026.

The opening speech was delivered by the Zonal Coordinator (ZC), SW REFILS, Prof. F. T. Ajayi, followed by the welcome address offered by the Host, the Executive Director, IAR&T, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin. In his address, the Director appreciated the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Keynote Speaker, Reps of NARIs/ADPs, farmers and other important personalities present for the ceremony.

Being his first as the Director of the Institute, he seized the medium to intimate the gathering with the services and operations of the Institute, while also highlighting the potentials of the Institute for agricultural research and development, which underscores the Institute’s commitment to ensuring food security in Nigeria. “Food security is no longer merely a developmental aspiration, it is a strategic necessity for national stability, economic growth, and social well-being”, he stated.

In delivery his address, the Chief Host, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife and Chairman, Institute Governing Board, Prof. Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE emphasized on the importance of the Workshop, organized by the Institute, for strategic development in the agricultural value chain, especially in the areas of transforming agriculture through innovations, climate resilience research geared towards food security. He congratulated the Director, Management team and the Organizing Committee under the leadership of ZC, for sustaining the tradition of holding the Annual Workshop in the interest of improving agriculture in the Country. He further discussed the major concepts of the Workshop’s theme (innovations, climate resilience and value chain development). He reiterated the Institute’s commitment to bridging research and real-world application. According to him, knowledge must move from laboratories to land, from theory to thriving farms. Additionally, he emphasized on the essence of REFILS, which has historically served as a vital platform for harmonizing research findings, refining extension messages, and strengthening partnerships among Research Institutes, Universities, and field practitioners. Therefore, he charged the gathering to seize the opportunity to not make the Workshop only for deliberation, but for commitment to innovation, resilience, inclusive growth, and food systems that nourish the people sustainably. Finally, he extended the support of the University to initiatives, which aligns with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the VC’s address, the Keynote Speaker, the Executive Director of Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, who was represented by Dr. Aremu Mariam delivered his address. In his remarks, he extended his appreciation to the Director, Management of the Institute and organizers for the special invite and the opportunity given. He discussed extensively on the relevance of the theme of the Workshop to agricultural growth and development in Nigeria, while also advancing on the impacts of innovations and development from NSPRI to agricultural transformation and food security. He charged researchers and farmers to intensify efforts and be more committed to agricultural innovations, climate resilience research and development, in a bid to achieve the ultimate goal of ensuring food security in the Country.

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Ondo State, Engr. Olaleye Emmanuel Akinola took the centre stage and addressed the gathering. He seized the medium to enumerate some areas of support and empowerment the State Government has offered towards boosting agricultural growth and development in Ondo State. He expressed the readiness of State Government for collaboration with Research Institutions across the region, including IAR&T and believed the nation’s quest for sustainable agricultural development cannot be overemphasized. He further declared the Workshop open and wished for productive deliberations and conclusive outcomes. He, therefore, appealed to the organizers to make available and accessible the final report of the Workshop to policymakers, for effective implementation by the Government.

While delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Institute, Mr. ‘Boye Popoola, on behalf of the Institute Management, extended his appreciation and gratitude to all the dignitaries and important personalities, representatives of farmers’ groups, NARIs/ADPs, Professors and Research Scientists, members of Staff, Press men and all that made the ceremony a success. He wished everyone a journey mercy back to their respective locations.

Among other important personalities in attendance were, the entourage of former Governor Mimiko, including Prof. Adeolu Akande (Former Chairman, NCC) and Otunba Reuben Famuyibo; the Hon. Commissioner of Agriculture, Oyo State, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, rep. by the Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Mrs. Adediran Adeniran; the CEO, Young Agroservice, Ogun State, Mr. Johnson Ajibola Akindele, rep. by Adelowo Ajibada; The Ag. Director, CRIN, Dr. A. R. Adedeji, rep. by Dr. S. B. Rahman; ZC, South South REFILS from NIFOR, Dr. Solomon; the Chairman, SEAP Microfinance Bank, Pst. Dr. Olatunde Oladokun, rep. by Dr. Ogunniran Daniel; the Ag. Provost, FCAH&PT, Ibadan, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, rep. by Dr. Mariam Yahaya; the Director of Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), FUNAAB, Prof. O. J. Olaoye and his team; the Executive Director, NAERLS, Dr. Yusuf Sanni, rep. by Omisope Tomiwa; Project Managers of ADPs across the Six South Western States; Reps of NARIs, Input Agencies; Reps. of Farmers’ Groups/Associations; Press Men; Head of Accounts, IAR&T, Mr. Michael Fadipe; Professors, Research Scientists and Heads of Programmes/Units/Centres in the Institute; and other members of Staff, among a host of others.