A new research station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, has been officially opened in Imesi‑Ile, Osun State, marking a fresh push to strengthen agricultural productivity and address local food insecurity.
Established in partnership with community stakeholders, the facility is expected to accelerate agricultural research, technology transfer and improved farming practices across the region.
The inauguration drew academics, traditional rulers, farmers and other food‑security stakeholders who emphasized the need for research‑based solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
Professor Gabriel Oluwatosin, Director of IAR&T, described the station as an important step toward fulfilling the institute’s mandate to promote sustainable agricultural development and praised the Owa‑Ooye of Imesi‑Ile, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi (Oyoyo II), and the Imesi‑Ile Progressive Association (IPA) for their support.
Professor Johnson Adetumi, Chief of Staff, Head of Crop and Livestock Production Unit and chairman of the local organising committee, said the project was made possible by the IPA’s donation of land and an office building for the station.
Oba Akinyemi welcomed the development as a major milestone for Imesi‑Ile and urged farmers and residents to use the institute’s resources to boost production and contribute to national food sufficiency.
Samuel Olusola Agbeluyi, national president of the IPA, called on more federal institutions to partner with the community and reiterated Imesi‑Ile’s commitment to programs that foster growth, innovation and socio‑economic development.
As part of the inauguration activities, the institute distributed improved maize seeds to local farmers.
Deputy Director of IAR&T, Professor Dotun Ogunniyan, said the institute remains committed to producing and distributing superior seeds and urged recipients to apply sound agronomic practices to maximize yields.
Alhaji Wahab Bello, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Osun State chapter, welcomed the donation and assured the institute that the seeds would be put to effective use.
Professor Femi Ajayi, dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), encouraged farmers to make active use of the research station and to adopt modern innovations grounded in local experience.
Professor Veronica Obatolu, immediate past director of IAR&T, hailed the launch as a significant achievement that will extend the institute’s reach and improve agricultural and human welfare.
OAU Vice‑Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire highlighted the longstanding partnership between the university and IAR&T and said the station aligns with the university’s strategy to apply research and extension services to solve agricultural problems while promoting practices that enhance food security.
