Agribusiness: Expert Lists Conditions For Youths • Sanni, BOVAS, Others Get OYSCATECH Alumni Awards
The Managing Director of Psaltry International, Mrs Yemisi Iranloye has listed conditions that would enable youths to become successful entrepreneurs in agribusiness.
Mrs. Iranloye revealed that youths and Nigerian Students in particular must be disciplined, visionary, hard working, empathetic, and humble to learn their enterprise or agribusiness from those who are business and delay gratification in order to be self- reliant in the face of unemployment that has ravaged the nation.
The Psaltry International Managing Director stated this during the 1st Annual Public Lecture organized by OYSCATECH Alumni Association with the theme; “paving the way for a sustainable future through agribusiness, digital revolution and waste management.
According to the keynote speaker, Mrs. Iranloye, “agribusiness is a comprehensive term that encompasses the various activities such as production, processing, marketing and distribution of agricultural products and services.
“It represents the intersection of agriculture and business principles, which emphasizes the commercialization and economic aspects of farming practices. By embracing sustainable practices, promoting innovation and fostering inclusive growth, agribusiness becomes a driving force in building a future where agriculture thrives, community prospers and the planet is nurtured for generations to come.
“It is through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to sustainability that we can pave the way for future where agribusiness is not just a means of survival but a pathway to prosperity.”
Mrs. Iranloye expatiated that there are so many opportunities in the agricultural value chain which the youth can venture into.
She encouraged them to identify their areas of interest in the agricultural value chain, embrace innovation and learn from those who have the knowledge of their chosen enterprise.
She decried the use of short-cuts by some youths while calling on them to follow the path of hard work for a promising future.
Mrs. Iranloye promised to expand training opportunities for OYSCATECH Students while expressing willingness to partner with the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
In his address, the rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi called on Nigerian Students whom he described as the future of the nation to embrace self-employment through agribusiness, waste management and digital revolution as a means of tackling the challenge of unemployment confronting the nation.
Prof. Akinlabi called on the youth to develop positive attitude towards sustaining the future. He commended the Managing Director of Psaltry International, Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye for the past and present collaborative initiative with OYSCATECH which exposed graduates of the institution to industry based experience and employment opportunity in Psaltry International.
The second Speaker, Mr. Joshua Oyedele, the Chief Executive Officer of Just Recycle Initiative who spoke on waste management, described waste as untapped valuable resources, human generates after the first circle of a used product.
In his submission, “it is important to manage waste and convert waste to wealth in order to reduce green house gases, waste on landfills, pollution, reduction of cost of waste disposal and to boost organization’s reputation.”
Mr. Oyedele hinted that waste can be converted to wealth through recycling while the three major ways of managing wastes are to reuse, reduce and recycle.
The CEO of Just Recycle initiative called on youths to explore the opportunities in waste management as a means of livelihood.
In his presentation on digital revolution, a former graduate of the institution and an IT expert, Mr. Ezekiel Fajobi posited that the digital revolution presents a vast array of opportunities for youth employment. He hinted that by embracing digital skills, young individuals can shape their future, contribute meaningfully to the digital economy, and celebrate their successes on a global stage.
Mr. Ezekiel Fajobi called on Nigerian Students to acquire digital skills, by using free online resources and open-source tools, engaging in online communities, developing a self-directed learning plan, attending low-cost workshops, connecting with professionals, utilizing library resources, exploring government programmes, using mobile learning apps, and focusing on specific, in-demand skills.
The Alumni President, Mr. Mojeed Anifowose in his address of welcome appreciated the Governing Council, Past and Present Management for giving the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora Alumni Association the opportunity to thrive. Mr Anifowose pledged the association’s support for the advancement of the institution.
In his goodwill message, the Royal Father of the day, the Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, the Asoro-Olu Ayinla V called for more cooperation between the Students and the host community, while assuring the students of peaceful co-existence between them and the host community.
The Spiritual father of the day, HRM Oba Engr. Kazeem Adio Adegboye who was represented by Mr. Mumini Tiamiyu commended the Alumni Association for organizing a lecture that is relevant in addressing the challenges that youths are confronted with, as he prayed for God’s continued guidance for Nigerian Students.
Award of excellence was thereafter given to notable organizations which include; Bovas and Company Limited, Psaltry International and Just Recycle Initiative.
Notable individuals who were offered merit awards included HRM Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, HRM Oba Engr. Kazeem Adio Adegboyega, the OYSCATECH Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni, Hon. Seun Fakorede, Engr. Azeez Adeoye, Engr. Temitope Samson, Hon. Prince Salaam Akeem, Engr. Ogundele Jamiu, Mr. Ezekiel Fajobi, Engr. Olushina Hamod Ijadunola, Engr. Jeleel Ayeleke and Alhaji Taiwo Ibrahim.
Special recognition awards were also given to the Director of Works and Services, Engr. Dauda Salaam and Mrs. Opeyemi Olawore, the Public and Alumni Relations officer for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
The Annual lecture was well attended by the entire Management Team, Students and Alumni of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
