FUNAAB VC Reaffirms Food Security Commitment as Federal Government Empowers Farmers’ Cooperative

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde today, February 26, 2026, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to advancing national food security, as the FUNAAB-Odeda Farmers’ Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited commenced the distribution of agricultural inputs to its members under the Federal Government support.

Speaking during the official presentation of the inputs facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Prof. Kehinde described the intervention as a strategic boost to grassroots agricultural productivity. He emphasised that agriculture remains central to economic resilience and national development, noting that the University would continue to strengthen partnerships that empower farmers within and beyond the campus.

Sharing personal experiences from his early academic journey at the University of Ibadan and his farming engagements during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that resilience, collaboration, and persistence were indispensable virtues in agriculture. He recalled how limited resources and delayed inputs once threatened a maize farming venture he initiated with colleagues in the mid-1990s, but perseverance ultimately yielded success.

“Agriculture is not just an occupation; it is a calling and a solution for the future,” he affirmed, explaining that the distributed tools and resources symbolise opportunity, responsibility, and growth. He assured members of continued institutional backing in expanding productive partnerships and strengthening the agricultural value chain.

Earlier, the President of the Cooperative, Mr. Ayorinde Isaiah, expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention. According to him, the distribution goes beyond the sharing of materials; it signals renewed commitment and a stronger partnership between government and grassroots farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.

He noted that the support would help members navigate rising production costs, climate uncertainties, and prevailing economic challenges, while reinforcing the Cooperative’s dedication to modern and sustainable agricultural practices. He reiterated commitments to transparency and equity in input distribution, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment with government policies aimed at achieving food sufficiency.

Highlighting milestones recorded since inception, Mr. Isaiah disclosed that members cultivated five hectares of maize and three hectares of cassava in 2025, while yam farming is ongoing following the allocation of farmland by the University Management. He further revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the University for the production of fish and pigs, a project expected to commence soon. 

Despite the achievements, he identified pressing challenges, including the need for additional ploughable land to accommodate increasing membership, provision of dedicated office space, and recruitment of more staff to enhance operational efficiency.

In his goodwill message, the Director, Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye, described farmers as true nation-builders and champions of food security. He stressed two key pillars for success in modern farming: efficient utilisation of agricultural inputs and disciplined farm management.

Also speaking, the Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole; the representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. John Salako; and the Assistant Director, Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr. Kabiru Bakare, commended members for their dedication and active participation. They observed that the Cooperative has grown beyond expectations, impacting both the University Community and the wider society through unity and shared vision.

Dignitaries in attendance included the representative of the Bursar, Mr. Valentine Egbuna; Ag. Director, Internal Audit, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi; former SSANU-FUNAAB Chairman, Comrade Olurotimi Fasunwon, among others.