In a colourful ceremony held at the Green Chamber of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) convened its 109th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting, and honoured FUNAAB’s immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Prof. Salako, a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria received the accolades for his sterling qualities and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of FUNAAB, noting the prestigious award as a testament to his administrative prowess.
In her address prior to the presentation of the award, the National President of UNAA, Dr. Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, underscored the effective and efficient leadership demonstrated by the former Vice-Chancellor in public service, emphasising his invaluable contributions to human and capital resources management.
Speaking at the ceremony on the theme “Mitigating the Contemporary Social Issues for Agropreneurial Development in Nigeria: The Viewpoint of a University Scholar,”
Prof. James Banjo, from the Department of Agricultural Science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode disclosed the challenges plaguing the agricultural sector and advocated for concerted efforts to address food insecurity and rural underdevelopment.
Highlighting the significance of value addition in agriculture after receiving the award, Prof. Salako stressed the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, urging youth engagement and technological innovation in the agricultural value chain.
Other awardees included the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde; Ogun State former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was represented by Mr. Kehinde Sogunle; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola; Prof. David Agboola, and the Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Dr. David Odedeji.
Others were Prof. Bukola George; Provost, Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, Dr. Rafiu Soyele; Alhaji Menghistu Ade Yusuf, among others.
Meanwhile, The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adeola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII observed that a majority of the Awardees are individuals familiar to him, and he could personally attest to their positive impact on society.
He emphasised that acknowledging those who have served was a valuable form of encouragement, motivating them to persist in their commendable efforts.
Besides, the Olowu stressed that the nation would duly acknowledge and honour every instance of positive contribution to society, as exemplified by all the Awardees.
In the spirit of collective recognition and encouragement, the event underscored the pivotal role of leadership and innovation in driving sustainable agricultural development and societal progress.
