President Bola Tinubu has expressed admiration for the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike Abia State, acknowledging their groundbreaking initiatives in addressing food security and workforce development in Nigeria. He has pledged increased support to uphold Nigeria’s global dominance in root and tuber production.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agric Business, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, at the Institute’s centennial celebration themed “NRCRI: a Century of Empowerment through Root and Tuber Crops Research,” President Tinubu lauded the Institute for generating employment, enhancing crop quality, and positioning Nigeria as the leading producer of cassava and yam. He assured continued collaboration to achieve more milestones.
During the event, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between researchers and farmers. He credited the Institute’s growth for contributing to the nation’s economy and urged relevant stakeholders to sustain efforts in reducing hunger.
Keynote speaker and 2016 World Food Prize laureate, Dr. Jan Low, urged Africa, especially Nigeria, to reshape the narrative surrounding yam and tubers. While addressing malnutrition challenges, she advocated for sustainable agricultural practices and recognized NRCRI’s role in championing cassava production.
Read also:
- Apply Now: Africa deep tech challenge 2025
- Meta launches Llama startup program to boost AI innovation
- APPLY NOW: Booking Staff
- APPLY NOW: Accountant
- Nigeria’s reforms gaining ground as revenues rise, debt falls
- APPLY NOW: Litigation Lawyer
In his welcome address, NRCRI’s Executive Director, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, highlighted the institute’s technological innovations in collaboration with local and international agencies. Egesi revealed the development of over 50 improved cassava varieties, 30 yam varieties, and advancements in sweet potato, potato, and ginger, showcasing NRCRI’s commitment to crop management, seed multiplication, and value addition.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Hamidu Garba Sharubutu, represented by Dr. Veronica Obatolu, emphasized the importance of researchers prioritizing productivity over self-promotion. He called for more outstations to extend the Institute’s reach to rural farmers and encouraged collaborations to address food security challenges, stressing the need for alignment and technology-sharing among Agricultural Research Institutes to achieve zero hunger and increased income.
Discover more from SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
