Prof. Awodun to Deliver 2025 Excellence in Agribusiness Lecture as D Chronicle Media Honours Agricultural Trailblazers
In a bold celebration of agricultural excellence and innovation, D Chronicle Media, one of Ondo State’s leading tabloids, is set to host the much-anticipated 2025 Excellence in Agribusiness Lecture and Award on Thursday, 29th May 2025. The prestigious event, which will take place at 2:00 PM inside the iconic Glass House, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, promises to be a landmark gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
This year’s theme, “Root of Progress: Recognizing Sustainable Agribusiness Practices, Opportunities and Challenges,” underscores the urgent need to spotlight sustainable innovations, foster collaboration, and chart a path for the future of agribusiness in Nigeria.
At the heart of the event is the keynote lecture by Professor Moses Adeyeye Adeyemi Awodun, a distinguished scholar in sustainable agriculture from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). Born into the royal family of Aniyeloye in Okemesi Ekiti, Prof. Awodun has built an illustrious career spanning over two decades of academic and research excellence. His educational journey saw him earn a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Production from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, followed by a Master’s in Soil Management and a PhD in Crop Management from FUTA. Notably, he also holds an MBA from the University of Ado-Ekiti.
Prof. Awodun’s academic pursuits have taken him around the globe, from postdoctoral training in Brazil to scholarly engagements in Scotland, the United States, Germany, Tanzania, Senegal, and Ghana. With over 80 scholarly publications and a legacy of mentoring graduate and postgraduate students, his contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural research landscape are both profound and far-reaching. His extensive administrative experience includes roles as Acting Director of the Centre for Renewable Energy Technology (CRET) at FUTA, where he championed the university’s international collaborations.
Adding to the significance of the event, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the critical role of government in fostering agricultural growth. The event’s Chairman is Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to the Governor of Ondo State, whose presence reflects a deep commitment to promoting agribusiness at the state level.
The highlight of the day will be the conferment of the 2025 Excellence in Agribusiness Awards on a select group of individuals whose dedication and impact have shaped the agricultural sector in profound ways. Among the awardees are:
Prof. Taiwo T. Amos – Agricultural Economist and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academy), FUTA, Mr. Oladele Olakanmi – Esteemed Cocoa Merchant, Akoni Olaoluwa Akingbade (Oluomo) – Prominent Cocoa Merchant, Pastor Adeyemi Adefulire – Director of Produce, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Prince Ade Okiki – Retired Permanent Secretary and CEO, Ade Royal Oil, Dr. Monilari Abayomi Olugbenga – Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Omoseebi Elizabeth – Former Magistrate and CEO of Dipliz Farms, Mr. Bamidele Michael Yakubu – CEO, BMY Agro Allied Ltd, Mr. Olawale Ademola Thomas – Ondo State IFAD Coordinator and Community Development Expert, Dr. Akinyemi Albert Fadiyimu – Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Chief Samuel Ajibola Ogundipe – President, Ondo State Conference of Cooperative Farmers Union Ltd, Mr. Olatunji Olusoji – Administrative Secretary and State Coordinator, FADAMA, Ondo State, Prof. Owoyemi Jacob – Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, FUTA, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola – Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness.
As the countdown begins, the 2025 Excellence in Agribusiness Lecture and Award is shaping up to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, a space where expertise, innovation, and passion for the land converge to honour those who sow the seeds of progress.
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