FUNAAB VC Commissions 2,000-Acre Alumni Farm Hub To Boost

FUNAAB VC Commissions 2,000-Acre Alumni Farm Hub To Boost Food Production

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has commissioned the 2,000-acre Alumni Farm Hub, a landmark initiative aimed at revitalising agriculture through massive food production, innovation and sustainability.

Speaking at the Flag-off ceremony held recently, Prof. Kehinde commended the FUNAAB Alumni Association for their foresight and commitment to agricultural advancement. He referenced the University’s anthem, which underscored the importance of farming, science, and skill acquisition.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the strong synergy between FUNAAB and its alumni, assuring them of the University’s full support and security provisions to ensure the farm’s success. Prof. Kehinde, a renowned Plant Breeder and Geneticist lauded the initiative as a testament to the University’s dedication to practical agricultural development.

Expressing gratitude to the University Management, the Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr Bolaji Gbadamosi, disclosed that the 2,000-Acre land had been subdivided into 160 units of 12.5 acres each, supported by a 45-kilometre road network. He revealed that nearly half of the land has already been allocated due to overwhelming demand, reflecting the enthusiasm for the project.

In his speech, the former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, advised the Alumni Association to prioritise genuine farmers in land allocation and adopt sustainable land management practices.

Giving a detailed briefing on the farm activities, the Director of the FUNAAB Alumni Farm Hub, Rotarian Biodun Ajayi, assured stakeholders that a thorough land survey had been conducted to prevent encroachment and disputes.

He encouraged subscribers to remain resilient, noting that initial farming investments may take time to yield returns.

Dignitaries at the event included the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari, representing the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Representative of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Chairman of the Time-Table and Examinations Committee (TIMTEC), Engr. (Prof.) Pius Dada; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; and the Deputy Bursar I, Mr. Valentine Egbuna, representing the Bursar.

Also in attendance were the Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; Ag. Director of the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole; Prof. Bayo Ayorinde; as well as investors, including Miss Yvonne Airewele, and several alumni members from within and outside the University.

The launch of the FUNAAB Alumni Farm Hub marked a significant milestone in the University’s commitment to agricultural innovation, food production, and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a leading University in agrarian advancement.