WALE OKEDIRAN JOINS UNIMED AS ADJUNCT LECTURER

A renowned medical doctor and the current Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, has been appointed as an Adjunct Lecturer of the Institute of Health Humanities at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.

As noted by the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, FNAMed, the University is very excited to have Dr. Okediran join its staff. He is expected to use his wealth of experience as a medical practitioner, an award-winning author, newspaper columnist, biographer, film producer and literary administrator to teach medical students as well as students of other health professions and health science fields, the art of Creative Writing.

UNIMED, which was established in December 2014, is Nigeria's 1st specialised university of health and medical sciences and has the largest collection of health professional courses in the Nigerian university system. UNIMED recently established the Institute of Health Humanities for strengthening arts and humanities education in the health professions' curricula.

This integration of humanities and health professions training, which has been in practice in many Western medical schools, has been demonstrated to contribute significantly to the production of well-rounded and highly empathetic health personnel.

Dr Wale Okediran is also a former Member of the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 contributing to advocacy, regional dialogue and policy development, leading to improvements in health across Africa. He has rendered consultation services for several international and local development agencies such as Constella Futures International USA, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, USIS, UNAIDS, NPHCDA, NACA, UNICEF, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, The World Bank, and Action Aid.

The film adaptation of his award-winning novel: TENANTS OF THE HOUSE is currently streaming on NETFLIX global network.

On Friday 28th October 2022, Dr. Okediran delivered the ninth distinguished lecture of the University titled ‘Connecting Medicine and Literature: Reflections for University System and Health Professions Education in Nigeria.’

Dr. Okediran is offering his services to UNIMED on a pro-bono basis. He is expected to resume duty on the 1st of July 2023 and work largely virtually.

Temitope Oluwatayo

Public Relations Unit,

UNIMED, ONDO.

SANNI APPRECIATES FG OVER APPOINTMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NSPRI

 *PRESS RELEASE* 

The newly appointed Executive Director for Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Sanni has appreciated the Federal Government of Nigeria over his appointment as the Executive Director for Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute in Ilorin.

Prof. Sanni also extended his gratitude to the Almighty God for the opportunity.

According to him, “there is the need for one to sustain one’s excellence, integrity and productivity. And I will make sure that I work together with other team players in solving so of the sustainable development goals and by God’s grace, success is ours.” 

The Management of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora under the leadership of Prof. Akinola Akinlabi and the Governing Council Members of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora have congratulated its Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni over his appointment as the Executive Director forNigerian Stored Product Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), appointed Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, as the new Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin.

Professor Sanni, who is replacing Dr Patricia Pessu, who retired from service on the 14th of April, 2023, is expected to assume duty on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Registrar of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adenrele Adeniji, the Rector described Prof Sanni as an erudite scholar, exemplary, visionary leader of impeccable standard and exceptional international researcher whose leadership acumen have not only impacted the academia, industry, the international community and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora in particular but the nation as well.

The Rector noted the remarkable contributions of Prof. Sanni at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), while serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Developments) and to Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Cassava Seeds System Phase II (BASICS II) and Cassava Adding Value for Africa Phase I & II. 

Prof. Akinlabi opined that 

Prof. Sanni will record unprecedented achievements in the new assignment, considering his intellectual capacity and professionalism with which he conducts the affairs of the Governing Council of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

The Rector on behalf of the Management, Board of Studies, Staff, Students and Alumni of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora therefore, wishes Prof. Lateef Sanni God’s guidance, good health and unparalleled success in his new assignment. 

Prof Sanni is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria and President, International Society for Tropical Root Crops.

Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni until his appointment was the former Head of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Station in Abuja and  Project Manager for Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Cassava Seeds System Phase II (BASICS II).

He is the Chairman, Steering Committee of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

Prof. Sanni has over thirty years’ experience in research, consultancy and collaborations as post-harvest expert on tropical roots crops mostly implemented by Natural Resources Institute, United Kingdom, Association of African Universities, Council of Agricultural Research Forum, West and Central Council for Agricultural Development and International Institute of Tropical Root Crop with over seventy overseas trips to six continents.  

Prof. Sanni graduated from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta with Bachelor of Science degree; Second Class Upper Division in the Department of Food Science and Technology in 1990. He obtained Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees at the Department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan in February 1993 and April 1999 respectively. 

The distinguished Prof. Sanni received Harvard Business School, Boston, USA training on Leading Change and Organizational Renewal from 17th to 22nd March, 2013. 

Prof. Sanni joined the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), now FUNAAB in 1993 as an Assistant Lecturer and became Professor of Food Science and Technology in 2008. 

As a distinguished scholar, Prof. Sanni has published over 109 Technical Journal articles; 30 Books, and 30 Conference proceedings. 

He has supervised in collaboration with colleagues well over 100 undergraduates, 17 Masters and 24 PhD students. 

Prof. Sanni is globally cited with 3,809.

He successfully served as the Country Manager for Nigeria in a Five-Country project, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa II (CAVA and CAVA II) projects sponsored by Bill and Melinda gates Foundation from 2008 to March 31, 2019. 

  

Professor Lateef Sanni won World Bank Facility for Academic Staff of Universities to the Natural Resources Institute, Kent, UK in 1995.

The International Foundation for Science, Sweden, launched Prof Sanni Lateef as a leading contributor to multi-million dollar projects on cassava since 1999. 

The erudite Professor was the leader (Food Processing and Value Addition), Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and sustainable environment in 2013 for the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. 

Prof. Lateef served as the Resource Person, World Bank Sponsored project titled “Upscaling the Nigerian Flash Drying Experience for Sustainable Regional Trade and Income generation in West Africa”(Ghana, Benin Republic, Sierra-Leone, Nigeria).

He also served as the Country Manager for European Union-African Caribbean Pacific (EU-ACP) Science Technology Capacity Building Project, Nov 2009 till October, 2012 in collaboration with the Greenwich University/Natural Resources Institute, Chatham. 

His wealth of experience made him to serve as Project Coordinator, Cassava Value Chain Development project in West Africa, covering Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic; a three-year project, sponsored by the Common Fund for Commodities from August 2008 to March, 2012 and implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria.

Prof. Sanni has won several awards some of which include; the 2008 Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Award, Regional Technology Development in Sub Saharan Africa, Outstanding Award-2006 Academic Accomplishment by Junior Chambers International, Abeokuta, Gateway Hotel, Abeokuta, Nigeria and the best Oral Presenter Award at the 7th African Crops Science Conference organized by African Crops Science Society, Entebbe, Uganda in December 2005.

 Prof. Sanni also won Research Productivity Award (Senior Academic Category) in January 2011 and Most Outstanding International Ambassador Award of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in January 2012 and FUNAAB Students’ Union Award of Excellence in May 2013.

 He was an editorial board member of the International Journal of Food Science and Technology from 2005 to 31st July, 2015 and is currently serving as reviewer to so many international journals in the world.

As a true ambassador and alumnus of FUNAAB, Prof. Lateef Sanni was a member, Governing Board of FUNAAB and former Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, FUNAAB.

Prof. Lateef Sanni facilitated the donation of Modern Garri Processing Factory worth sixteen Million Naira to the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora on the bill of Cassava Adding Value for Africa II.

Prof. Lateef Sanni is a seasoned scholar, dynamic leader, Postharvest innovator on cassava and root crop development, a facilitator on enhancement of skills for early career scientists, and consultant to Federal Government of Nigeria on Cassava Value Chain, NGOs and international bodies like FAO,UNIDO and IITA.

E-signed; 

Olawore,  Helen Opeyemi

Public Relations Officer

SHINA PELLER URGES TINUBU TO INCREASE BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY

The President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been charged by a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Shina Peller, to increase the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Information and Culture in the 2024 Appropriation Act for optimal performance of the nation’s creative industry.

Honourable Peller, who represents Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, made the call while sharing on his social media handles the video of himself moving a motion on the floor of the House on the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry.

Honourable Peller observed that globally, creative industry has become a driver of employment, economic growth, innovation and social cohesion. He added that Nigeria’s creative industry contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP, offering legitimate employment to people, thereby making it the second largest employer of labour after agriculture.

He said

“As Nigeria transitions into a new government, I urge the incoming administration to increase the budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Information and Culture in the 2024 Appropriation Act for optimal performance in the nation’s creative industry.

“This is an industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP, offering legitimate employment to people, thereby making it the second largest employer of labor after agriculture. 

“To move this sector forward we need young and vibrant youths to churn out policy reforms that can drive growth and development and attract investment opportunities.”

The Oke Ogun-born federal lawmaker in the said motion, which has been adopted by the House, observed that Nigeria’s film sector (Nollywood) is one of the most lucrative and active creative industries which contributes about 2% to the country’s GDP generating annual revenue of two hundred and eight (208) billion naira. 

He also noted that Nigerian music sector, which produces over 550 albums annually, must be strengthened to aid the country’s economic growth.

In the motion, he had listed the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido) and others as major actors in the Nigerian music industry who made and are making the country proud globally with their record-breaking feats.

The motion noted:

“At the global level, the late Afrobeat creator, Fela Anikulapo-kuti is perhaps the most iconic musician to have come out of Nigeria until recently when Damini Ebunolowa Ogulu(Burna Boy) a Nigerian singer and song writer won best international Act at the 2019 BET Awards and was also nominated for the best world music Album at 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. He also won Best International act at the 2021 BET Awards. 

“Recently, top Nigerian Artist Davido’s album titled ‘Timeless’ has featured over 10 million user-generated playlists on Spotify. Also the album had over 12 million streams in 24 hours, this was the first time an album would achieve such a feat.”

Recall that Honourable Peller, who is the Ayedero of Yorubaland, is a major actor in the creative industry. Aside being the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the famous nightclub, Club Quilox, he is also the founder and owner of Aquila Records, a music record label which had dropped many hits even before he ventured into politics. 

Some of the hits include Ayepo by Airboy featuring Burnaboy, Slow whyne by Que Peller, Werey Re Rmx by Base One featuring Phyno and Olamide, Believe by Naomi Peller, Capable by Beezy, Oni Reason by Tillaman featuring Davido just to mention a few.

So, as a major stakeholder in the creative industry, Honourable Peller, who had on March 1, 2023, publicly congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his election victory as the country’s President-elect, urges him to strengthen the industry by giving it support in the areas of access to finance, skills and capacity development, infrastructure, intellectual property protection, royal control, development of creative clusters, international strategy among others.

Honourable Peller has always been an advocate, supporter and sponsor of youth-driven initiatives. Recall that through his NGO, Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), he has successfully trained more than one thousand, seven hundred (1700) young Nigerians on effective leadership skills, strategic communication, civic responsibility, active citizenship and nation building. In return, the 1700 beneficiaries have trained over one thousand others through the train-the-trainer model.

By Ajibola Olarinoye

OYSCATECH finally gets ICAN Accreditation Certificate for Accountancy Programme

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has finally issued accreditation certificate to Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora for accountancy programme.

The accreditation certificate for National Diploma in Accountancy was presented to the Rector of the Institution, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi who was ably represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi at a special event in Lagos.

Receiving the certificate, the Rector, who spoke through his deputy, commended the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for counting the institution worthy of the accreditation.

The Rector thanked the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for its past donations to Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora both at the national and district level. 

He also commended ICAN for its interest in the advancement of accounting programme of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora. 

Dr. Akinyemi also commended all stakeholders including the immediate past Bursar, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun for facilitating the ICAN accreditation exercise and eventual issuance of the certificate.

The Dean, Faculty of Management and Communications, Mr. Mumini Tiamiyu also expressed joy over the achievement, while commending Dr. Sarafa Agbogun for his support in that direction. 

While speaking on the development, the Head of Accountancy Department, Mr Baanu Olayinka who could not hide his joy, explained that with the accreditation, the National Diploma graduates of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora will be exempted from ATS I &II Examinations of the Institute but will automatically proceed to ATS III.Mr. Baanu Olayinka listed other benefits of the ICAN accreditation to include; grants for students during their week and scholarship opportunity for distinction students across all the departments.

It would be recalled that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Team had earlier visited the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 for the accreditation of Accountancy Programme of the Institution, wherein the ICAN accreditation team leader, Dr. Olabamiji Ogunlade scored the institution high in terms of compliance with admission requirement for accountancy programme, vibrant students’ association and staff development.

The accreditation visit equally provided the opportunity for ICAN accreditation Team to interact with Accountancy, Business Administration and Public Administration Students at the 800 Seater Lecture Theatre of the institution.

Recall that the Ibadan District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria under the leadership of its 21st Chairman, Abiodun Adedeji donated the first round of textbooks for eight different courses in accounting, to the Accountancy Department of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.

 The donated textbooks included Business Communication and Research Methodology, Principles of Audit, Information Technology, Management Information System, Cost Accounting, Principles and practice of Financial Accounting, Business and Management. 

 While the ICAN for the second time under its 57th President, Mrs. Comfort Olu Eyitayo also donated another round of 400 books to the Accountancy Department of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora to enhance the quality of teaching of students towards producing world class graduates.

E-signed;

Olawore H. Opeyemi anipr

Public Relations Officer

The Amotekun Corps, a southwest security organisation, thwarted a car robbery attempt on the Akure-Ilesa Expressway on Friday and recovered an oil-filled vehicle in the process.

Retired Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, commander of the corps in Osun, revealed to newsmen on Saturday in Osogbo that the robbers had been attacking vehicles on the Ileki/Osu axis of the Ilesha-Akure Road for almost an hour.

He said that at at 11.46 p.m., a driver who had escaped the bandits' ambush called in an Amotekun patrol squad, who then pursued the criminals away.

“The robbers ambushed vehicles and were shooting into the air, forcing drivers to park, abandon their vehicles and run into bushes for safety.

“When the robbers, however, saw that Amotekun patrol team was coming for them, they fled the scene after operating on the road for almost an hour,’’ he said

According to Adewinmbi, after the robbers escaped, a truck that had been abandoned by its driver and was laden with gasoline and fuel was found and brought to the Amotekun office in Osogbo.

He claimed that the owner of the items was contacted and that the driver and his assistant, who had fled into the jungle, were located using the waybills that were discovered in the vehicle that was later retrieved.

According to him, the driver revealed that when they were ambushed, they were travelling from Lagos to Abuja via Lokoja.

Adewinmbi noted that  the vehicle and its contents were released to the driver on Saturday in Osogbo in the presence of officers from the incident's local police station, Ayeso Police Station, in Ilesha.

Haastrup