Forging New Frontiers in Agricultural Development: ECANR Provost, Dr. Omosefe, Leads Strategic Partnership Mission to Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority.

Forging New Frontiers in Agricultural Development: ECANR Provost, Dr. Omosefe, Leads Strategic Partnership Mission to Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority. This was contained in a press release signed by Comrade Ukato Thomas the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ECANR), Iguoriakhi.

In a strategic move aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural development and strengthening institutional collaboration, the Acting Provost of the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ECANR), Iguoriakhi, Dr. Andrew Osaigbovo Omosefe, FCPM, alongside members of the College Management Team, on Thursday, June 18, paid a courtesy and partnership visit to the Management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Olufemi Adekanmbi, PhD, MNES.

The visit provided a platform for robust discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas geared towards advancing agricultural productivity, food security, research, training, and agribusiness development in Edo State and across the nation.

After the formal introductions, Dr. Omosefe, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director and team for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and for the personal goodwill message extended to him upon his appointment as Provost. He noted that although the visit had been long envisaged, the demands of official responsibilities had delayed its realization.

Introducing the College and its unique multi-campus structure, the Provost highlighted several milestones recorded by his administration since assuming office. These include, amongst many, the ongoing process of amending the College's enabling law and name change, to transform it from a mono-technical institution into an agriculture-based polytechnic, a development that will facilitate the introduction of approximately 38 additional academic programmes. He also highlighted the successful reopening of the Agenebode Campus, significant improvements in the College's demonstration farms, and the establishment of strategic partnerships with several public and private sector stakeholders within the agricultural value chain.

Dr. Omosefe further emphasized that the vast expanse of arable land available across the College's three campuses presents enormous opportunities for agricultural expansion, research, mechanized and commercial farming. He expressed confidence that a strategic partnership between ECANR and BORBDA would significantly contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity, youth empowerment, food security, and rural development in Edo State and beyond.

Responding, the Managing Director of BORBDA, Hon. Olufemi Adekanmbi, PhD, MNES, commended the ECANR delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to collaborative engagements that promote agricultural business and transformation. He outlined the various programmes and interventions being implemented by the Authority across the states within its operational jurisdiction in line with its statutory mandate.

Describing agriculture as "the new oil" with immense untapped potential, Dr. Adekanmbi expressed the Authority's readiness to partner with ECANR through a well-structured Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He shared several innovative ideas aimed at making agriculture more attractive, profitable, technology-driven, and youth-oriented, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening food security. Both institutions consequently agreed to commence discussions towards the development of a formal partnership framework.

Also speaking during the engagement, the Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Rt. Hon. Johnson Johnny Ogumah offered valuable insights drawn from his extensive experience in the agricultural sector. He observed that effective utilization and management of the College's land resources would be critical to the realization of its agricultural vision, but observed that the institution is challenged in terms of land mass and urged the college management to push for more land. He further disclosed that he was part of the team of experts that conceptualized and structured the College's three-campus arrangement across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

The ECANR delegation comprised key Principal Officers of the College, including the Acting Registrar, Mr. Monday Owie; the College Bursar, Mr. Omoruyi Nosakhare; the College Librarian, Dr. Edwin Eguavoen; the Acting Dean, School of Agricultural Technology, Dr. Osagie Imade; the Acting Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Esther Akangbe; as well as the Personal and Technical Assistants to the Provost, Mr. Joseph Odunayo, Mr. Dennis Omorodion, and Mr. Destiny Akpoghita

On its part, BORBDA assembled members of its top management and administrative team, comprising seasoned professionals and experts with extensive experience in agriculture, water resource management, and rural development.

The meeting ended on a highly positive note, with both institutions expressing optimism about the prospects of a mutually beneficial partnership. It is expected that the proposed collaboration will contribute significantly to enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, capacity development, and economic growth in Edo State, in alignment with the SHINE Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State.