Towards intensifying priority of mechanized agriculture, product development and food security in driving the vision of Landmark University, the University Management led by Professor Adeniyi Olayanju visited NCAM on Wednesday, 15th November 2017, to broaden the scope of collaboration between the two organizations. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor said “We consider it a great privilege to upscale our collaboration with NCAM, whose critical role in the transformation of Africa’s agricultural mechanization with striking accomplishments in production and fabrication of agricultural machines, tools and implements, cannot be overemphasized”.

He appreciated the courtesy visit which the Management of NCAM paid on the University on Thursday 17th August 2017, which prompted introduction and deployment of Sawah Eco-Technology Rice Farming (SERiF) system to the University Rice Farm by Dr Ademiluyi led team of agricultural Engineers, whose success stories have necessitated a push for extension of the technology to the University’s Teaching and Research Farm and Commercial Farm. “We therefore deemed it necessary to reciprocate your good gesture and embolden our relationship”, Professor Olayanju said.

With the mindset of possible knowledge transfer, research innovation and Staff Exchangethe Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that “functional partnership between our two organizations will turn Agriculture into a business, improving the livelihoods of people all across the continent of Africa given the training capacity, research fecundity, product development and unflinching support of the Managements of our two organizations”.

Expressed delight at the visit of the representatives of Management of LMU, the Acting Executive Director, NCAM, Dr Engr. M. Y. Kasali highlighted remarkable achievements of NCAM that can serve as catalyst for speedy actualization of mechanized agriculture, food security and sustainable development. He mentioned some of the agricultural machines, tools and implementscredited to ingenuity of NCAM that are user’s friendly, attractive to youths, easy to operate and less energy sapping whichinclude locally manufactured and serviced tractors, thresher, cassava planter, harvester, rice transplanter, yam molding implement, and multi-seed planter. He assured LMU of the NCAM’s technical support and specific collaboration required to enhance the pace of actualizing agricultural revolution mandate of the University.

Also expressing readiness to offer specialists input in the training of LMU students were key Management members on his team which include Engr. Dr A.R. Kamal, Engr. Dr O. A. Ogunjirin, Engr. Dr. F.O. Adeogun and Mr Fagbemi Olukunle. In their responses, Professor C.O. Aremu (DCAS), Dr. John Izebere (DLUF), Dr. J.O. Ojediran (DCSE), Professor Ibikunle (Chair, NSE, Omu-Aran) and Engr. O.S. Aniyi welcomed with excitement the improved collaborative gesture unfolding, with respect to availability of some of the needed agricultural machines and services in NCAM and the possibility of fostering the synergy in the training of LMU students.

After a consensus on the need to expedite the reviewed collaboration bid, Engr. Dr. Kasali led LMU team on a tour of facilities in NCAM. Key agricultural machines at the various workshops of NCAM required for mechanized farming and identified as being useful in LMU include: Rice Mill, Rice Destoner, Gari Sifter, Coconut Oil Extractor, Fish Smoking Kiln, Cassava Grater, Oil Palm Processing Line, Cassava Planter and Harvester, Combined Rice Harvester and Thresher, Multi-seed Planter, Rice Transplanter, Tricycle/mini Tractor. The professional guide and demonstration from Engr. Dr. Ogunjirin and Engr. Dr. Kamal were so inspiring.

Aside the workshops visited, LMU team gleaned additional values capable of enhancing the University’s agripreneurship programmes from NCAM Integrated Farm Project (NIFAP). Mr Geofrey Akalonu, the Manager, NIFAP, conducted the visiting team round various units encouraging organic products and emphasizing demonstration of Zero Waste Concept. He said that poultry waste are made useful for the feeding of fish, manure purpose on the vegetable farms and power generation via biogas system. He explained the modality behind the self-sustaining concept of NIFAP biological means of water treatment as well as water recycling system citing the importance of water hyacinth and moringa which are available also on the farm.

Other enterprising activities attractive to LMU, showcased at NIFAP include cross breeding techniques in fishery and snailry units of the Farm. Above all, the visit was overwhelmingly adjudged inspiring for both organizations set to take greater stride in boosting agricultural productivity and addressing food insecurity in Africa.

Professor Adeniyi Olayanju and Engr Dr M.Y. Kasali at the LMU-NCAM collaborative meeting

LMU and NCAM Representatives in a group photograph after a session of meeting

Side view of A Smart Tricycle Tractor at NCAM

NCAM Combined Harvester in display for LMU team to examine

DCAS, LMU, Professor Charity Aremu demonstrates multi-seed planter as EngrDr Kamal explains its efficiency to LMU team

Mr Geofrey Akalonu, Manager, NIFAP, explains no waste concept operation from the poulty and fishery lines to biogas system