By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD) on its firm commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, gender inclusion, and food security in Nigeria.
Prof. Egbewole gave the commendation last Tuesday (November 4, 2025) when the President of NiWARD, Dr Ebinimi J. Ansa, led other members of the Association on a courtesy visit to his office ahead of the 13th NiWARD Hybrid Conference and Exhibition in Ilorin.
Also in the team was the Founder of the Association, Prof. Stella William; the immediate past President of the Association, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Prof. Israel Ogunlade, among others.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, commended the Association on its laudable initiatives and alignment with national and global agricultural development goals.
He described the theme of the conference, “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation for Enhanced Food Security in Nigeria,” as highly relevant and timely, given the current challenges in the agricultural sector.
While appreciating the founder of NIWARD for her foresight, the Vice Chancellor noted that initiating impactful ideas and seeing them blossom brings joy and pride to the academic community. He assured the Association that members of staff of the University would actively participate and collaborate with NiWARD during the conference and beyond.
Earlier, the President of NiWARD, Dr Ebinimi J. Ansa, explained that the visit was to formally announce and invite the University community to the Association’s 13th Hybrid Conference and Exhibition scheduled to take place at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NSPRI), Ilorin.
She described the University of Ilorin as a leading institution of learning and research in the agricultural belt of Nigeria and an invaluable pillar in achieving agricultural transformation in the country.
The NiWARD President also stated that the choice of Ilorin, the “State of Harmony,” as host city was deliberate, describing it as a peaceful and conducive environment that provides comfort and inspiration for intellectual engagement. She added that the conference would discuss pressing national issues such as postharvest losses, food insecurity, and the need for innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Dr Ansa noted that the conference would feature distinguished global speakers, including the Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim FNIFST, alongside other experts from across the world.
She further explained that NiWARD is committed to strengthening women scientists, researchers, and professionals across the agricultural value chain in Nigeria. The Association’s mission focuses on leveraging research and innovation to ensure national food security and sustainable development in the sector.
