Alaba Emmanuel Gbadamosi, a distinguished Professor of Silviculture and Plant Biotechnology, is set to deliver the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

 The lecture, titled “The Earths Heating Mantle: Forest to the Rescue”, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.

 The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30pm.

Prof. Gbadamosis academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Forest Biology and Silviculture in 1998, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Silviculture and Tree Improvement in 2002, all from the University of Ibadan.

Prof, Gbadamosi, a thoroughbred academic, researcher and administrator of over 25 years, joined the services of AAUA in 2005. Prof. Gbadamosi’s prolific academic career is marked by the publication of over 47 articles in learned journals.

 He is a lead investigator of 10 leading-edge research. He has attended several local and international conferences and presented papers in eight, including the 3rd International Conference on Engineering and Applied Natural Sciences, Konya, Turkey, and the XXV IUFRO World Congress, Curitiba, Brazil. 

A grant-winning scholar, Prof. Gbadamosi has won 11 awards and grants, including International Foundation for Science (IFS) Pre-Grant Traveling Award, and Research Grant, AAUA Research Grant for Yam Research, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) sponsored Training at the Malaysian Rice Development Institute, and TETFUND Research grant for Tomato Research.

He holds membership of Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Forestry Australia, Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), Member, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), and Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (IBCSSA).

Presently, he is member of the AAUA Council, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development

Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State was agog on Sunday, January 28, 2024, as  former Commissioner for Water Resources, Sanitation and Hygiene in the State, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju, dumped  the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and rejoined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Adeyanju who led thousands of her supporters and followers to the APC in Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area of the State, appreciated all for the rousing welcome.

The  Commissioner alongside her numerous supporters were received back to the APC by party elders, leaders and community leaders at Ward 4 Araromi-Obu.

Araromi-Obu Town Hall, venue of the event was full to capacity as leaders and supporters also came from Ayesan, Ago-Alaye, Oniparaga, Koseru, Ore Ward, Odigbo Ward, Ajue Ward, Onisere Ward, and Ebijaw Ward and Agbabu Ward, all in Odigbo Local Government Area to witness the historic event.

PDP State Assistant Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Sileola Akingbola and another Chieftain of PDP, Meroyi Igbekele were part of the decampees who joined the former Commissioner back to APC.

Receiving the former Commissioner and others, Odigbo Local Government party chairman, Alhaj Fatai Olawale, the Chairman, Araromi-Obu Ward 4, Akinpelumi Akinbodunwa, and a Woman Leader, Omoniyi Bola, explained that Adeyanju left a big vacuum when she left the party, adding that now that she is back the party will experience unprecedented turnaround in the local government.

They described her coming back as a morale booster and a blessing in disguise, adding that the former Commissioner will bring her political clout and experience to bear and ensure overwhelming victory for the APC in future election.

The party leaders said Adeyanju attracted many developmental projects including water and road projects to Araromi-Obu, apart from various assistance and support being given to the people in the town.

“Hon. Yetunde is well known across Ondo state, and she is not somebody people can take for granted. When you miss her in a fold you miss millions of people, not thousands, and now she has come back she has brought millions of people back to APC”, Akinbodunwa stressed.

The Lisa of Araromi-Obu Kingdom, High Chief Tola Akintemi, described the return of Adeyanju as strategic, and will boost the chances of the party in the coming poll, just as he called on all to come together in unity and love to build a viable Ondo State.

He added that the present administration has done much for the people of the town, hence they will continue to support the government in power in its bid to develop the state and the kingdom.

Speaking after rejoining the party, Adeyanju appreciated all for the rousing welcome despite the fact that she wanted to make the event a low key because of the mood of the state (death of former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu).

A minute silence was also observed in honour of late Akeredolu.

Adeyanju pledged to continue to do her best to add value to the party and bring more development to the town and the state at large.

“I’m invited back into the party by Mr Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. I’m convinced about his vision for Ondo State, I’m convinced about his capacity and capability, and I’m convinced about his good intention and commitment to transform Ondo State.

“I think every right-thinking citizen of Ondo state should come out and support the Governor because Mr Governor is genuine; he has good intention, he has good vision and he means well for the people of the state. So, we need to rally round him for his administration to succeed and to also move forward for the next five years”, she added.

Adeyanju explained that she has yielded to several calls and appeals from respected leaders within and outside the state to come and contribute to the development of the party and the people of Araromi-Obu.

“I’m APC, it’s misunderstanding that separated us before, but now the fight has ended and I’m fully back to my party, APC. I have forgiven all those who offended me and I want those who I have offended to also forgive me”, the former Commissioner said.

Adeyanju resigned her appointment as member of the State Executive Council in July 2022, under late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.

The residents of Owode community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have continued to express their gratitude to a Non-governmental organisation, AVA Grace Foundation, for  putting smiles on their faces during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

AVA Grace Foundation had on Saturday, December 23, 2023 distributed various food items to over 250 families including the aged people and widows in the community.

At the special programme tagged, “Feed the Community”,  the Foundation founded by a philanthropist, Ajana Gbenga,  distributed assorted food items including rice, beans, garri, semovita, indomie, vegetable oil, tomato paste, salt and maggi to the beneficiaries in the area ahead of Christmas and new year celebrations.

Over 250 families which cut across the aged people, widows/widowers and other residents in Owode community benefited from the kind gesture of the non-governmental organization.

The Project Manager, AVA Grace Foundation, Gabriel Olatunji, explained that the project is aimed at giving back to the society and putting smiles on the faces of the people during the Christmas and new year.

“AVA Grace Foundation is a registered foundation. It’s founded by a brother who always likes to give back to his community. The foundation is founded to assist the people. The project we are doing now is tagged, “Feed the Community”, and the purpose is to make people happy. The founder is from this community and that is why we are distributing the food items here.

“The aim is to put smiles on the faces of the people during this Christmas and new year. We want people to have food on their tables.  Our Motto is, “Changing Lives One At a Time”. The beauty of life is to give back to the society. 

“Over 250 families benefited from the food distribution. We distributed rice, beans, garri, semovita, indomie, vegetable oil, tomato paste, salt and Maggi. We have all the food items inside one pack. 

“As a Foundation, we are happy with what we are doing and the positive responses we are receiving from the beneficiaries. We feel fulfilled touching people’s lives during this season. And that is the essence of humanity. We must show love and care. Many people came to us and they started praying for us for what we did for them. We could see the joy, the excitement on their faces. They were so happy”, the Project Manager stressed.

Olatunji also hinted that the foundation’s main areas of focus to further bring succour to the people in the society include education, health, food and job creation.

The beneficiaries expressed their excitement and appreciation over what they described as a big relief and best Christmas and new year gift from the foundation, especially during this period of abnormal increase in prices of foodstuffs in the country.

Also speaking, a member of the foundation, Gbenga Fisayo, assured that the foundation would do more for the people in future.

“The arrangement is to help people during this season. We want to make sure people don’t go hungry during this festive period. We want people to be able to feed their families and be happy too. We hope to do more for our people in future”, he added.

Some of the beneficiaries including  Emmanuel Idowu Ojolayo and Elizabeth Adeniran, who could not hide their joy, appreciated the founder of the foundation for remembering them at this critical time of need, praying God to continue to bless them.

According to them, the foundation through its kind gesture, has made the Christmas and new year a memorable celebration for them, even as they expressed their best wishes to the donor.

Prof. Olorunfemi recommended encouragement and enhancement of local food production to ensure stability in both production and supply; allocation of additional arable land for farming purposes to support increased agricultural activities; increase in financial allocation to the agriculture sector to strengthen research and extension services; and an upward review of household incomes to make them less prone to food insecurity.

A Professor of Economics, Sola Olorunfemi of the Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has cautioned against the precarious state of food security in Nigeria, urging immediate action from government authorities to avert what he termed an impending time bomb.

Prof. Olorunfemi handed down this warning on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, while delivering the 21st Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, “Fragilities of Food Security amidst Macroeconomic Issues: A Ticking Time Bomb”.

Highlighting the fragility of food security in Nigeria, Prof. Olorunfemi stressed the vulnerability of the food situation, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.

 He recommended that federal and state governments heed the available warnings and implement solutions to address the looming threat of food shortage.

The professor emphasized the importance of public enlightenment on household nutritional requirements and urged the implementation of policies to reduce the cost of food. 

He called for educational programmes to raise awareness about adequate nutrition, vocational training to improve skills and income-earning opportunities, and proper planning of households.

The Professor of Economics highlighted the significance of population control policies, reduction in family size, attention to the dependent age group, social services policies for easy accessibility, stable macroeconomic policies, and microeconomic policies designed for increased food production and economic access to food.

He warned, “The fragilities of food security are seriously with us. The food situation in Nigeria is so fragile; delicate and unlikely to be able to resist strong pressure or attack if care is not taken. Therefore, to avoid the imminent time bomb, the federal and state governments ought to heed available warnings and implement solutions to the impending threat of food shortage.

“Increased food supply and food availability enhance stability in both food production and supply. Local production of foods that are of low availability in the country should be encouraged. More arable land should be allotted for farming purposes; and enabling conditions should be provided as incentives for more participatory engagement in the agricultural sector.

“More funding should be allocated to the agricultural sector, while there is need to strengthen alternative financing such as agricultural insurance schemes, farmers cooperatives etc. The more income a household earns, the less prone to food insecurity the household tends to become. Therefore, effort must be made to prioritise more income generating opportunities for the people.

He argued that the development of infrastructures in rural areas was parallel to agricultural development, urging, Facilities such as good feeder roads will enhance evacuation of output and transportation of inputs to the rural areas. In particular, on-farm storage facilities are appropriate for specific agricultural enterprises. Such storage structures should be designed and commercialized for use in rural areas.”

“Food prices are also essential determinants of food security. Food prices seem to be rising faster than the income of households. As a result of inadequate purchasing power, the poor households may not have access to food. Since the government does not exercise control over food prices, and given the lack of formal safety net, it is recommended that it is important to design and implement policies that will eventually reduce the cost of food”.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, had earlier in his remarks, said apart from being a momentous academic ceremony, marking the celebration of an academic staff member’s appointment to professorship, Inaugural Lecture served as a platform to share accomplishments in research, innovations, engagements, and teaching with the University community and the wider public.

…Prof. Ige highlights achievements, future plans

The Governor of Ondo State and Visitor to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has praised the resourcefulness and substantial contributions of the institution to the State and beyond. 

Akeredolu, who also recognized the university’s role in staff training and skilled personnel development, highlighted AAUA’s integral connection to the growth and development in the state and the nation.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu, while addressing the University’s 12th Convocation, observed that the institution stands as a significant contributor to staff training and the development of skilled personnel in our state and beyond. 

The Convocation which was held on December 8 and 9, 2023, also celebrated the diverse accomplishments of students across various faculties. At the well attended Convocation ceremony, 42 graduated with First Class out of the total  5,249 graduates. 1,088 bagged Second Class Upper Division degrees, 2,264 had Second Class Lower Division, while 605 got Third Class.

Faculty of Education led with 1,202 graduands, followed by Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Administration and Management Sciences, Agriculture, Law, the Institute of Part-Time, and the Institute of Education. Additionally, about 180 graduands received postgraduate degrees, with 24 achieving the prestigious Ph.D. category.

The Visitor explained that countless civil and public sector workers, both within and outside the government, have benefitted from the rich education offered by the institution, adding that AAUA has become intricately interwoven into the tapestry of growth and development within the state and the nation at large.

The Governor acknowledged AAUA’s vision to be a leading institution in research, and applauded recent research endeavours by both staff and students. 

While calling for greater efforts, as he stated that the current era requires substantial scholarly contributions to navigate uncertain paths, the Visitor stressed that, state institutions, especially AAUA, must take the lead in this domain.

Akeredolu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential support and encouragement to state-owned institutions, empowering them to fulfil their founding vision and mission statements. 

He expressed pride in AAUA being consistently rated the Best State University in Nigeria within the past four years. 

While pledging more support, Governor Akeredolu appealed to philanthropists, stakeholders, and prosperous community members to collaborate with the government in expanding infrastructural growth within educational institutions across the state. 

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, reiterated the steadfast dedication of the Council members to propel the institution toward greater achievements.

 “The Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing our achievements. Our strategic focus encompasses fostering a conducive learning environment, instilling strong character development, promoting entrepreneurial skills, and actively engaging in meaningful community service initiatives”, he added.

The Pro-Chancellor attributed the progress made by the University to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, highlighting the contributions of staff, host communities, and university leadership.

“Recognizing the synergistic collaboration among the Universitys leadership, dedicated staff, and supportive host communities, we have successfully cultivated an environment of stability, peace, and progressive growth at AAUA,” he acknowledged.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, while congratulating the graduands on their accomplishments, said, “As you step into the world armed with the right knowledge and skills, I urge you to make significant contributions to society. Be ambassadors of excellence, integrity, and innovation. Stay connected with your alma mater, contribute to its growth, and inspire future generations.”

Prof. Ige reflected on the efforts of his administration to enhance the University’s standing, while reassuring the commitment of management and staff to excellence through continuous staff training, re-invention of academic programmes, and the establishment of a broad research agenda. He equally highlighted ongoing collaborations with reputable foreign organizations and universities to foster internationalization and benchmarking with global best practices.

The VC assured stakeholders of the University’s dedication to excellence and its ambition to secure a prominent place on the international pedestal. He emphasized proactive measures to revitalize the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and the integration of advanced technological solutions to enhance University operations.

He said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country, I am pleased to note that this years Convocation is a testament to our commitment to benchmark our university against the best and most competitive institutions globally. It is the result of a deliberate initiative to institutionalise the University and elevate its competitive edge.

“Presently, all the University’s academic programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission. Moreover, the University’s professional programmes, including Law, Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Geology, hold accreditation from their respective professional bodies. These structures have been diligently reinforced annually to produce this years graduands.

” We are confident that what the University releases to the society during this convocation ceremony are graduates equipped, not only with essential skills that make them significant contributors to the nation’s and world’s developmental trajectory, but also with entrepreneurial competencies essential in an economy fostering private enterprise.

“In our commitment to internationalisation and benchmarking operations with global best practices, the University continues to foster partnerships and networks with sister universities both locally and abroad.  Worthy of mention is our Adekunle Ajasin University Business School, Akure, which stands as another significant milestone in our administrations commitment to the kind of education we envisioned, driving economic growth, fostering self-reliance among our people, and promoting all-round development in the State.

“As a university and as an administration, our focus remains on the future. “We are steadfast in our commitment to the vision of our founding fathers. To this end, we are deliberately building institutions, erecting structures, re-tooling and re-inventing our programmes, training and re-training our staff, and determinedly building a 21st-century university, truly deserving of its name! This is the legacy we shall continue to pursue, ensuring the good name of the university remains intact, as this is the future we bequeath to posterity”. 

Overall Best Graduate, Abidemi Ojo, who graduated from the Department of Linguistics and Languages with a CGPA of 4.87, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the grace to attain the feat.

Ojo, who noted that he defied all odds and remained focused academically, observed, Poverty should not be an excuse for academic failure and every hardship that people undergo in life should prepare them for future success

…to host 2024 inter-house sports March 

Pride of Zion (Montessori) Nursery & Primary School, Ilekun, Oda Road, Akure, on Friday December 8, 2023, held its first Ninth Lessons & Christmas Carol in grand style with praise and thanksgiving to God for His provisions, protection and preservation over members of staff, pupils and other stakeholders.

The maiden edition of the colourful event held at the school premises also witnessed varieties of programmes and activities where pupils, parents and staff displayed captivating dance steps to the glory of God.

At the well attended event, the elated school pupils gave Father Christmas a rousing welcome to the citadel of learning from Rome, who also came with gifts for the school children.

One after the other, selected pupils took their turns to read various lessons of the day to the admiration of the guests at the event.

In her address, the school Proprietress, Dr (Mrs) Ayo Adeyemo JP, expressed unreserved gratitude to God for the successes recorded within few months of establishing the school, just as she  appreciated her husband and immediate past Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, mni, for his unflinching support and encouragement to ensure the institution remains “a place to be”.

Pride of Zion (Montessori) Nursery & Primary School commenced operations on September 18, 2023.

Dr Adeyemo who equally thanked the parents and pupils for the faith and confidence reposed in the school management to provide the children with sound academic foundation, further assured them of the renewed commitment of the management and staff to take the institution to greater heights in the years ahead.

She encouraged parents to always cooperate and support members of staff and the entire management team to facilitate the learning and teaching process of their wards.

Dr Adeyemo, a retired General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority (ODSWMA), described the academic performance of the school pupils as very encouraging as general performance stood at 97%, even though the target is 100% at all levels.

The proprietress explained that Pride of Zion (Montessori) Nursery & Primary School has come to transform the way Nigerians are educated, adding that the people of Ilekun and its environs stand a chance of benefiting from the initiative.

She further solicited total commitment of parents and teachers to realize the vision and objective of the institution.

“It is said that “Learning without playing makes Jack a dull boy”, but permit me to say that “Playing without learning makes Jack a stupid boy”. It is at this juncture that I seize this occasion to announce that Pride of Zion (Montessori) Nursery & Primary School will be hosting the year 2024 inter-house sport in early March, 2024.

“It also gladdens out heart to notify us that the school has put some security devices in place like CCTV cameras to monitor all the activities in the school and we shall not relent in our efforts by the grace of God”, she added.

The invited Minister of God, Pastor Jide Begbaji, who congratulated the school management for the first Carols, equally encouraged all to always have a mind like that of children and learn how to forgive and forget.

He admonished everyone to love his or her neighbours unconditionally as a way of sustaining peace and tranquility in the society.

 Also, the husband of the proprietress and former Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, who appreciated God, the parents and members of staff for the success of the first Carols, equally lauded his wife for her dedication, doggedness and commitment to make the school the best in all ramifications.

He prayed fervently for the guests and the entire members of staff of the school to live long in other to celebrate more of the birth of Jesus Christ in the land of the living.

Some of the parents expressed delight and lauded the school management for the outstanding outing, saying that despite the fact that the school commenced operation few months ago it has good vision for greatness in all aspects of academic development.

Highpoints of the event were Choreography and presentations by Toddler and Kindergarten Two; school choir; Grades 1&2; 3,4&5; Recorder;  French and Drama presentations by the pupils and staff as well as presentation of gifts to the school pupils by the Father Christmas.

 

Prof. Adebisi Daramola, Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has announced the completion of all arrangements for the commencement of activities marking the University’s 12th Convocation Ceremony.

Prof. Daramola, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), assured that planning has been done to ensure a remarkable and seamless convocation ceremony.

The week-long event is scheduled to kick off on Friday, December 1, 2023, with a Jumat Service at the University Mosque, followed by a keep-fit exercise on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the University Sports Complex.

 Subsequently, on Monday, December 4, the Vice Chancellor will address the press at the Adekunle Ajasin University Business School, Akure.

Tuesday, December 5, will showcase the research works and products created by students and staff at the Research, Development, and Innovation Fair at the Students Relaxation Centre. At 4:00 pm, the Convocation Play, ‘Malokun,’ will be performed by Ajasin Varsity Theatre at the Multipurpose Hall.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor added that various games and a friendly football match between AAUA Staff and FUOYE Staff are scheduled for Wednesday, while Thursday will host the Convocation Lecture, to be delivered by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Martins Oloja, at 2:00 pm in the University Multipurpose Hall.

The Graduands Cocktail will follow on the evening of the same day at the Senate Building open Piazza.

The conferment of First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Higher Degrees, and Presentation of Prizes is set for Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, 2023. The Visitor to the University, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON., is expected to join the procession on December 9, 2023.

The grand finale, an Interdenominational Christian Service, will take place on Sunday, December 10. 

The Chairman further clarified that all events, designed to herald the Convocation, will be held on the University campus, except for the Media Press Briefing, which is scheduled for Akure.

Prof. Daramola urged all staff and students to attend and participate in all the scheduled events.

… solicit support from traditional rulers, other stakeholders 

The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) in Ondo state will soon begin the conduct of electronic birth certificates registration across Ondo State.

UNICEF representative from Abuja, Mrs Sharon Oladiji, who revealed this during an advocacy campaign visit to the Ondo State Chairman of Council of Obas and Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo in his Palace, described digital birth registration and National Identification Number (NIN) as very vital for effective national planning and child’s development.

She particularly solicited the support and cooperation of  traditional rulers, community leaders, the media, local government officials and other relevant stakeholders to assist in mobilizing the people for a smooth conduct of the exercise which would commence next month September after the advocacy campaigns.

Also on the entourage of the UNICEF representative were the Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State in the National Population Commission (NPC) Dr. Diran Iyantan; NPC staff including the state Director, Mr. Yemi Falusi; HOD Vital Registration Dept, Mr Yomi Olowolagba; State Accountant, Mr Adesola Ogunkanmi and the HOD Public Affairs, Mrs Santos Olubayode.

The team equally took the advocacy campaign visit to Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom and also interacted with the adhoc staff for the exercise as they rounded off their training.

The UNICEF representative disclosed that children between the ages of zero  and seventeen years (0-17) would be captured free of charge during the exercise to mop up the backlog of unregistered children in the state.

According to her, Ad-hoc staff to carry out the exercise across the 18  local government areas have been trained ahead of the exercise, just as she encouraged parents and guardians to make their children available for the capturing.

She hinted that, in legal terms, a child that is not registered is not existing as there will be no data showing his/her existence. All political wards, communities and local government headquarters will be used as registration centres.

“We are supporting NPC to register all births in Ondo state, in every ward, in every community, in every local government, because of the benefits and importance of registering children. It is for national planning. When you register the births you have an idea of the number of babies that were born. You know that in three years time they should be in the kindergarten, in five years time they should be in primary school, in 10 years time they should be in secondary school and in 20 years time they should have graduated and be looking for jobs.

“So, when you register at birth you will have the data, you have the population and then you can plan. It is for development, it helps in education, it helps in social services, it helps in employment and everything. So when you give birth certificate to a child you are registering that child from birth, and you are monitoring the process and the development of that child”, she added.

The Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State in the National Population Commission (NPC) Dr. Diran Iyantan, who appreciated the Deji for his support at all times, urged parents and guardians to make their NIN available to facilitate proper registration of their children.

The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, while welcoming the team and acknowledging the importance of birth certificates,  promised necessary support to achieve the desired results.

The Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas also donated an office at the palace as registration centre.

The team also visited the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Kiladejo, who was represented by High Chief Johnson Adeduro, the Sasere of Ondo Kingdom, where the UNICEF representative intimated the monarch with the digital child’s registration exercise and sought his support to achieve success.

She acknowledged the influence of the traditional rulers on their subjects and the residents across their domains, disclosing that over 20,000 babies are born daily while 7.5m are born annually in the country.

Equally, the UNICEF representative was at the ad-hoc staff training center in Ondo City where she charged them to utilise the digital appliances given to them correctly as they concluded their training.

Professor Olusegun Akinwumi, an expert in Fish Post-Harvest Technology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has emphasized the critical need for establishing a dedicated Institute of Fish Processing Technology within the country.

The primary aim of this institute would be to address the alarming losses faced by fish farmers, caused by the absence of effective and acceptable preservation techniques for their harvests.

In addition, Professor Akinwumi urged both governmental bodies and organizations at various levels to provide interest-free loans to individuals well-versed in fish processing. This incentive would encourage them to embrace and construct integrated fish processing technology (IFPT) structures, ultimately generating more job opportunities and fostering accessible markets for fish farmers.

Prof. Akinwumi made these statements during the delivery of the University’s 20th Inaugural Lecture titled “Fish Post-Harvest Losses: Arresting the Arresters,” which took place on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. 

The lecturer, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), stressed that post-harvest losses, encompassing physical, quality, and economic aspects, result from enzymatic spoilage, oxidation/chemical/non-enzymatic spoilage, microbial infestations, and pest impacts.

According to Professor Akinwumi, achieving sustainable fisheries in Nigeria is marred by a series of obstacles. These include inadequate fishing infrastructure, exorbitant labour costs and inputs, limited access to credit facilities, insufficient skills in fishing gear usage, lax enforcement of fishing laws, over-exploitation of species, encroachment due to urbanization and housing, and the escalating use of agrochemicals, among other issues.

He pointed out that globally, about 600 million livelihoods are dependent on fisheries and aquaculture. Furthermore, Africa employs approximately 12.3 million individuals within these sectors, with 10 million directly engaged in fish production. Additionally, there are around 19.55 million professionals and artisans involved in secondary activities associated with fisheries in Nigeria.

In the revelation of substantial economic data, Professor Akinwumi disclosed that the fisheries sector annually contributes N133.45 billion to the national economy. However, despite this notable contribution, the country still relies on fish imports to fulfil consumer demands.

The Inaugural Lecturer highlighted the limitations of the traditional practice of smoking fish, emphasizing its susceptibility to inevitable spoilage. He provided farmers with essential guidelines to ensure maximum returns on their efforts.

According to him one important golden rule to forestall fish post-harvest losses is: “Do not embark on fish production or fish harvest if you are not sure of the immediate market. Without an available market, you will be forced to sell or preserve/store fish in desperation and frustration. Practice good fish-rearing management, including adequate and quality fish feeding because the health of the fish at the point of harvest is closely related to the rate of its deterioration after harvest.

“Fishers/fish farmers should encourage lower fish catches/landings/ harvest per day because higher landings can cause the overwhelming of the storage and processing facilities which could result in higher fish losses; except there is a ready market to sell.

“As much as possible, the fishers/fish farmers/fish traders should sell live fish and or immediately preserve fish in ice or refrigerate soon after purchase or delivery. Fish preservation should not be an after-thought but a well-planned process because a delay in the proper preservation also decreases the fish post-harvest value”.

He further advised, After harvest or delivery, fishers and fish processors/fish traders should direct efforts at removing heat and lowering the surrounding temperatures through the use of ice, cooler boxes and refrigerators for preservation. Fish catches should not be exposed to direct sunlight in order to deny the microbes and pests that cause spoilages in fish the source of energy or food they need to thrive and grow. 

Sacrifice / kill the harvested fish by percussive stunning (hitting the fish’s head with a wooden or plastic club) in order to delay rigor mortis. Do not kill fish by hypothermia (killing fish in iced water); it quickens the onset of rigor mortis. Freshly harvested fish should be consumed immediately before the onset of rigor-mortis. 

Proceeding further, he offered advice regarding the preservation of smoked fish under a consistent electricity supply. In such cases, he proposed that smoked fish could be either oven-dried or refrigerated. These measures would effectively impede the survival of certain spoilage bacteria. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of using air-tight packaging materials for storing dried fish. However, he underscored the necessity to consume these stored fish within four weeks (one month) to ensure freshness.

The former Dean of Science also cautioned against consuming dried fish stored on open shelves. He pointed out that such fish might contain microbial cells, urging vigilance in this regard. Furthermore, he advocated against the practice of storing dried fish openly, as it could lead to microbial contamination.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, emphasized that Inaugural Lectures constitute an integral part of university culture. He further affirmed that Adekunle Ajasin University is committed to continually implementing measures that enhance its institutional principles.

He lauded Prof. Akinwumi as an academic luminary, whose wealth of experience spans decades of both classroom and fieldwork, both on a national and international scale.

“With a wealth of administrative experience, Prof. Akinwumi has played a pivotal role in the advancement and development of tertiary education within the state. His diverse roles within the University system have made substantial contributions to its administration and growth,” he said.

… describes Oladiji as a brilliant captain of the ship 

A lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly, Hon Biola Oladapo, has congratulated the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji (Landmark), on the occasion of his birthday.

Oladapo, who is a Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, described the Speaker as a brilliant captain of the ship who has been successfully coordinating the affairs of the Assembly without any rancour.

In a birthday message released by his madia aide, Okunoye Bola, the lawmaker said under the good leadership of the Speaker, the other arms of government in the state are enjoying uninterrupted symbiosis that is aimed at catapulting the State to an enviable height.

“It fills me with immeasurable exhilaration to join my dear colleagues in the House in celebrating the captain of the ship—Mr Speaker of our beloved 10th Assembly on the auspicious day marking a new year on the face of the earth”

“Mr Speaker Sir, words can not describe entirely your awesomeness, leadership grits, charisma, zeal and tenacity ever since you assumed the highly coveted seat in the House.

“You have been brilliantly coordinating the affairs of the assembly with no rancour, fascinatingly carrying every member along in decision making as well as excellently contributing your quota to the growth and development of the Sunshine State.

“Under your leadership the  other arms of government in the state are enjoying uninterrupted symbiosis that is aimed at catapulting the State to an enviable height.

“We appreciate you greatly for your commitment, considerations and unwavering support to every cause of your constituency and the State at large.

“Do have a fabulous celebration today Sir, and ultimately, great new years ahead”, Hon. Oladapo added.