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IITA to present digital tools in cassava, maize farming systems to policymakers
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in the framework of the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) will on Monday present a series of digital innovation tools in cassava and maize cultivation to policymakers in Nigeria to empower extension workers and farmers in the country.
Commissioners of Agriculture and Rural Development, Permanent Secretaries as well as heads of Agricultural Development Programs (ADP) from more than 24 states are among the key stakeholders expected at the official presentation billed to take place at a one-day meeting on the IITA campus in Ibadan on 2 December 2019.
The theme of the event is tagged: “Digital Tools: Disruptive innovations in cassava/maize farming systems.’’
Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, IITA Director General, explains that the institute is sharing the digital tools with state government officials to help solve the problem of poor extension services which is one of the major reasons why Nigeria’s agricultural sector has underperformed in the last three decades.
“Currently, extension- farmer ratio in some states is estimated at one extension agent to 4000 farmers,” he said. “These large numbers of farmers per extension agent undermine the effectiveness of the traditional extension system.
According to Dr. Alfred Dixon, IITA Director for Development & Delivery, “The objective of this one-day meeting is to share these digital tools with commissioners of agriculture, permanent secretaries, and other state actors for dissemination in their various states to empower the extension system and farmers.
“Through this approach, we hope that states across Nigeria will be able to increase their agricultural productivity and ultimately the incomes of farmers,” Dr. Dixon who successfully led the IITA Cassava Weed Management Project added.
In the last 5 years, the IITA Cassava Weed Management Project has developed integrated weed control methods that are helping farmers to double the productivity of cassava and maize. These recommendations are being scaled out to farmers through a variety of digital platforms in the framework of the African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI).
The ACAI project has already distributed mobile phones and mini-projectors loaded with videos on the Decision Support Tools to extension agents. The agents, in the first phase of dissemination, are working in Oyo and Benue States using videos to educate farmers in rural areas on the Six Steps to Cassava Weed Management and Best Planting Practices.
“Engaging policymakers at this point will help in amplifying the use of these digital tools for the benefit of resource-poor farmers,” Dr. Dixon added.
The tools to be presented include videos, radio programs, cassava seed tracker, Akilimo, IITA Herbicide Calculator, e-commerce site and IITA News App.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, alongside his wife, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mrs. Abisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.
In a jointly signed condolence message, the royal couple described the news as heartbreaking, especially coming just five years after the demise of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
They extended their sympathies to Mr. Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Abisola’s husband, their children, as well as Chief Kola Daisi and the entire Kola-Daisi family, urging them to find strength in this difficult time.
“This tragic loss has brought sorrow to the hearts of friends, relations, and well-wishers of the esteemed Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families. Bisola’s warm smile brightened the lives of those around her, and she carried herself with grace, nobility, and kindness,” the statement read.
Praying for divine comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families, the Olugbon and Olori noted that though Abisola’s life was brief, it was impactful and meaningful.
“We urge the family to take solace in the remarkable life she lived. A short but impactful life is truly valuable. May Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna Firdaus,” they added.
The royal couple also prayed that God would grant Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, her children, and the entire Kola-Daisi family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, described Bisola’s death as a tragic loss not only to her family but also to the wider Oyo State community.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker sympathised with the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, praying for divine strength and comfort in their time of grief.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi. My heart goes out to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, especially, our late leader’s widow, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi during this painful period. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the late governor’s wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi and other members of the bereaved families to find solace in Bisola’s impactful life. He emphasised that, beyond being the daughter of a respected former governor, she distinguished herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
“Bisola was a woman of substance who made significant contributions to society. Her kindness, dedication, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered,” Oseni added.
The lawmaker also extended his condolences to Bisola’s husband, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, acknowledging the immense pain he must be experiencing. He prayed for divine strength for him and the entire Kola-Daisi family as they navigate this difficult time.
Oseni further called on the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. He prayed that Almighty God grants Bisola eternal rest and gives her loved ones the resilience to endure the painful loss.
. prays for progressives
The National Secretary of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23), Barrister Bosun Oladele, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Describing the news as shocking and heartbreaking, Oladele, a former House of Representatives member for Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency and a former Commissioner for Information, extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, particularly Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late governor.
“God, the All-Knowing, is the only one who understands why this happened, and He alone can provide comfort to the family of our late leader and boss, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. I especially pray for strength and solace for Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, in this moment of grief,” he stated.
Oladele also commiserated with the Kola-Daisi family, particularly the deceased’s husband, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, while urging all Progressives in Oyo State to unite in prayers for the bereaved families and the wider political circle.
“I join all Progressives in Oyo State in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the Kola-Daisi and Ajimobi families. I pray for staying strength and divine comfort for all,” he said.
He further prayed against the recurrence of untimely deaths within the Progressives fold in the state, seeking divine intervention to stem the tide.
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