The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), under the leadership of its Director General, Cornelius Adebayo, is making significant strides in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural growth. In a recent high-profile meeting, Cornelius Adebayo hosted Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), alongside key leadership figures from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The meeting underscored the critical partnership between NALDA and Nigerian tertiary institutions, with a shared goal of maximizing land resources and enhancing student training in modern agricultural practices.
The OAU delegation included its Pro-Chancellor, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Simeon Banire, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olubola Babalola, and other prominent members of the university’s governing council. Together, they explored ways to integrate land development strategies within the university’s framework, ensuring that the institution’s vast land assets are utilized for agricultural productivity.
Cornelius Adebayo emphasized the directive from President Bola Tinubu, which calls for the unlocking of Nigeria’s land resources to ensure optimum food production. This meeting was a reflection of that mandate, as both NALDA and OAU laid out plans to intensify training programs for students. By empowering students with modern agricultural knowledge, they aim to equip the next generation with the tools and expertise to drive the country’s food production initiatives.
Adebayo highlighted that partnerships between institutions like OAU and NALDA would play a crucial role in bolstering the nation’s agricultural sector. “Synergies such as this will not only enhance the food security drive but will also create a robust environment for innovation in agricultural practices,” he stated.
This initiative aligns with NALDA’s broader objective of fostering collaborations with tertiary institutions to achieve sustainable agriculture. The agency’s focus on combining land development with educational training ensures a twofold benefit—contributing to national food production while also providing practical, hands-on agricultural training to students.
The meeting between NALDA, OAU, and NIPSS marks a pivotal moment in driving the Nigerian government’s agricultural policies forward, particularly in light of President Tinubu’s clear commitment to food security and sustainable development. Under NALDA’s guidance, these partnerships will undoubtedly pave the way for innovation and increased agricultural output in the years to come.
