FCAIB, NOAN Oyo Chapter Strengthen Ties to Promote Organic Agriculture

By Oluwatobi Fadairo

The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, has welcomed the Oyo State Chapter of the National Organic Agriculture Movement (NOAN) to the College as both organisations discussed ways to work more closely to promote organic agriculture and create more opportunities for students.

The Provost of the College, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, received the delegation alongside the Registrar, Mrs. Olanike A. Popoola; the Director of Audit, Mr. Olakunle O. Karunwi; and the HOD, Organic Agricultural Technology, Mr. Julius Adedeji.

The NOAN delegation was led by its Chairman, Dr. Funmilayo Okparaocha. Other members of the delegation were the Deputy Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim T. Adekunle; the Secretary, Mercy Igheghe-Akinwumi; the Treasurer, Nwufoh Onyeka; and Dr. Olufunmilayo O. Adetola, HOD, Organic Agricultural Technology, FCAH&PT, Ibadan.

During the meeting, the Provost spoke about the importance of giving organic agriculture greater attention. He said there was a need to create more awareness about organic food and farming while encouraging people to practise what they promote.

Professor Atungwu also spoke about supporting students who are interested in agriculture. He noted that scholarships and sponsorships could help students who may struggle with the cost of their education while encouraging more young people to consider agriculture as a career.

He also stressed the need to expose students to opportunities beyond the classroom. According to him, students should be connected with companies and other organisations where they can gain practical experience and have better opportunities for employment after graduation.

The Provost said the College was willing to support initiatives that would promote organic agriculture through training, awareness programmes and practical activities. He added that working closely with NOAN could provide more opportunities for students and strengthen FCAIB’s contribution to agricultural development.

In her response, the Chairman of NOAN, Dr. Funmilayo Okparaocha, thanked the Provost for his support for organic agriculture.

She said NOAN was working on a curriculum for organic agriculture to improve training in the field. She also disclosed plans to establish a student body for Organic Agriculture to encourage students to learn more about organic farming and take part in activities promoting the practice.

According to her, the proposed student body would also help create awareness among students and promote greater interest in organic agriculture.

Dr. Okparaocha also expressed NOAN’s interest in participating in organic agriculture programmes organised by the College. She said the organisation would also welcome FCAIB’s participation in its programmes as both sides could learn from each other and build a stronger relationship.

Also speaking, the HOD, Organic Agricultural Technology, Mr. Julius Adedeji, thanked the Provost for his support for organic agriculture and NOAN. He said the support had helped to give organic agriculture greater attention within the College.

The visit ended with both sides identifying opportunities for continued engagement in areas such as student participation, awareness, training and the promotion of organic agriculture.

For FCAIB, the engagement further reinforces its commitment to giving students practical opportunities and strengthening partnerships that can contribute to the future of agriculture.

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