Story of the week
“AGRIBUSINESS IS THE ONLY PANACEA TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IN NIGERIA” – MEZUO NWUNELI
An Agricultural Economist, Mr. Mezuo Nwuneli has revealed that one of the ways out of the economic recession the country is faced with is diversification into Agriculture Business. Mr. Nwuneli who is the Managing Partner, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers, made this known while delivering the 4th Convocation Ceremony Lecture on Thursday 13th July, 2017.
In a lecture titled, “The Business of Agriculture: Benchmarking and Attaining New Frontiers in Agricultural Development for Africa”, Mr. Nwuneli said with stable democracy, rich soil and good climatic conditions coupled with her large growing population, Nigeria has no reason for food deficit and insecurity. He added that with the growing GDP and being the biggest economy in Africa, the country should leverage on the unlimited opportunities in the agricultural sector to provide food for the Continent and shift focus from oil production.
The speaker who condemned Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenue said presently, the country is not self-sufficient in food production with the importation of over 45 per cent of its food needs in wheat, rice, sugar, fish and milk. He further enthused that these foods can be produced locally and in abundance which will in turn build a stronger and healthier economy base for Nigeria. The guest lecturer noted that Agricultural transformation is not only about food production, according to him, it is also about growing the economy, therefore, viable policies and pro-activeness should be seen on the part of the government to encourage individuals and private organizations to explore the sector.
Mr. Mezuo Nwuneli while concluding his presentation encouraged farmers to explore the opportunities in mechanized farming through the production of Integrated Cassava processing (starch and sweeteners), Tomatoes processing and Integrated poultry productions whose demand, he noted, is on the increase.
In his closing remarks, the Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo applauded the brilliant presentation of the Guest Lecturer for bringing aboard facts and figures reflecting the state of Nigeria’s economy and the inexhaustible opportunities in agribusiness valid enough to proffer solutions to economy downturn and food insecurity in Nigeria. The Chancellor who enthused further by saying “Well done is better than well said,” urged individuals and different stakeholders to get into practicing agriculture rather than discussing it. He added that it is high time the country departed from theory to real practice in order to touch people’s lives.
Dr. Oyedepo, who emphasized the essence of the University education as being able to equip people’s intellectual capacity in adding value to the society, admonished Faculty not to deviate from the purpose in order to make the agrarian vision of the University a reality in the Continent. “There is no basis for importing food in a country so blessed like Nigeria. The Country imports almost everything because the time to sit and think is not there. Beyond certification, we must think real raw agricultural practice,” he concluded.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aize Obayan, in her remarks thanked the Guest Lecturer for adding value to the agrarian vision of the University while reiterating her commitment to raising an army of solution providers to the myriad of societal issues, hence the importance of the lecture delivered to the 4th Convocation Ceremony.
The distinguished Guest Lecturer at the 4th Convocation Lecture, Mr Mezuo Nwuneli
The Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo giving his remarks after the 4th Convocation lecture.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aize Obayan delivering her welcome address
A cross section of guests paying rapt attention to the 4th Convocation Lecture
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LANDMARK UNIVERSITYS LIFE APPLICABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM RECOGNIZED AS MAX AFRICA LAUNCHES INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Landmark University's distinctive approach to education, centred on life-applicable and life-transforming learning, received validation this week when representatives from MAX Africa visited the institution to seek collaboration for their second internship program. The visit underscored the high regard organizations have for Landmark’s graduates, known for their competence and productivity in the workplace.
During the meeting, MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh, unveiled the company’s new internship initiative designed to empower young innovators and leaders in Africa’s mobility sector. Leigh expressed admiration for Landmark University’s alumni, who, he noted, have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and leadership within MAX Africa. He introduced Mr Kefas El-Olam, a graduate of Landmark University who is the Senior Product Manager, MAX. "Our first point of call for this new phase is Landmark University, primarily because of the exceptional value delivered by Landmark graduates who joined us in the first phase of the internship programme. Their resilience, ability to drive results, and leadership qualities have made a lasting impression," Leigh said, emphasizing how these qualities align with MAX Africa’s mission to address broader industry challenges by cultivating skilled professionals across the continent.
Adding to this, MAX Africa’s Digital Strategist, Mr Adewunmi Oshilaja, highlighted the soft skills and professionalism of Landmark’s graduates. “Beyond technical expertise, Landmark graduates have displayed strong leadership qualities and high standards of professionalism,” he stated. "The core of our strategy is to build well-rounded leaders. As much as we want our interns to gain hands-on experience, we are also committed to equipping them with skills in business communication, team management, and workplace etiquette.”
The upcoming three-month internship program was further detailed by MAX Africa's Human Resource Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe, who described it as a transformative opportunity for participants. She noted that interns would receive intensive training in both technical and interpersonal skills vital for industry success. “Interns will be assigned responsibilities similar to full-time employees and will be evaluated at the end of the program. Those who excel will be offered full-time positions,” she announced. To facilitate applications, MAX Africa has provided QR codes for interested students, who will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University expressed appreciation to MAX Africa for recognizing the university’s talents and choosing Landmark as a major recruitment partner. He attributed the leadership qualities displayed by students to the legacy of Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo and affirmed the university’s confidence in the students' readiness to embrace this opportunity. He also highlighted Landmark University’s recent recognition as Nigeria's second-best university in the Times Higher Education rankings, further showcasing the institution’s commitment to excellence.
The Registrar also conveyed gratitude to the MAX Africa team and assured them of Landmark University's full support in achieving the program’s goals. Other members of the university’s management expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, seeing it as a significant step towards advancing opportunities for students, the university, and Africa at large.
Others in attendance at the meeting were the Chaplain, Pastor Popoola; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi; the Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel and the HRBP, Compensation & Benefits, and City Manager, Ilorin, MAX, Mrs Adebimpe Alabi.
Members of the Landmark University management and the Max Africa team in a group photograph after the meeting
R-L: The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole; the Registrar, Engr Adebayo Ajala; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi during the meeting with Max Africa
MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh while speaking on the new internship programme
The Max team with the Landmark University Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel (L)
The Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel introducing Max Africa to the student community
Max Africa’s HR Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe while speaking to the students of Landmark University on the internship programme
The Max Africa team interacting with Landmark University student community
Max Africa’s Senior Product Manager, Mr Kefas El-Olam while speaking to the students of Landmark University on his experience as a student of the University and during the internship programme
Registration point for Max Africa’s internship programme at Landmark University
