Strategic thinkers to propose IITA youth model to Government

Dr Okechukwu receives a plaque on behalf of DG Sanginga
from NIPSS team

Members of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Nigeria, will present the IITA model of engaging the youth in agriculture to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan.

The delegation praised IITA for the concept, emphasizing that the model would be part of the recommendations that would be submitted to the President as part of strategies to tackle food security and unemployment, especially among young people.

“The youth program offers opportunities and we will recommend to Mr President that it should be replicated,” says Mr Jonathan Juma, leader of the delegation.

The Directing Staff, NIPSS, Brigadier General Johnny Hamakim, noted that IITA was strategic for Africa, adding that a visit to the Institute was imperative for the team to make informed decisions on food security in Africa.

Welcoming the delegation to IITA on behalf of DG Sanginga, the Coordinator of Cassava Transformation at IITA, Dr. Richardson Okechukwu thanked the team for coming and seeking inputs from researchers.

He explained the vision and mission of the Institute under the revised strategy, and also highlighted the milestones recorded by IITA towards addressing the constraints of development both in Nigeria and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

NIPSS is a policy formation center for bureaucrats, private sector leaders, and Army officers, among others.

This year’s visit to IITA was facilitated by Sylvia Oyinlola and Toyin Oke. The delegation had the opportunity to tour the IITA campus. Among places visited were: the Genetic Resources Center, IITA forest, aflasafe factory, banana/plantain unit, and the Postharvest Unit. They also had a taste of the 40% cassava bread.