Asiedu and Dashiell seek closer ties

Dr Asiedu makes a speech

The Director for IITA Western Africa, Dr Robert Asiedu, has called on the Government of Oyo State to work more closely with IITA to improve the livelihoods of local farmers. In his remarks at the commissioning of the facilities in Ibadan, Dr Asiedu cited studies that prove that investments in agricultural research have high returns.

He commended the State Government for providing the enabling environment for IITA to carry out its research.

In the same vein, Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General, Partnerships and Capacity Development, reechoed IITA’s willingness to work with Oyo State. He said the investments in the Health and Wellness Center, Medical Unit, and the Crèche were all aimed at creating a workforce that is healthy and competent to meet the challenges limiting agriculture in the continent.

Mrs Oyinlola speaks on behalf of IITA Women's Group

The IITA Women’s Group, the initiators of the Health and Wellness Center, said they would continue to support and pioneer efforts to make IITA a better place for working, and to create a favorable impact in the community.

Ms Sylvia Oyinlola, who spoke on behalf of the group, enumerated other philanthropic activities of the Group, such as the provision of scholarships and support to orphanages, among others.

“Even the IITA School was an initiative of the Women’s Group,” she added.