Writing by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole has called for collaborative efforts to transform agricultural potentials by converting waste to wealth to ensure a healthier lifestyle.
Professor Egbewole made this call at the second edition of the public lecture tagged “Town and Gown Workshop” with sub-theme; regenerative economy: opportunities for transforming agricultural waste to wealth organised by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, held at the lecture theatre of the faculty, in Ilorin, Kwara state.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Management Services, Professor Adegboyega Fawole said that the renewed hope agenda of the present administration is interested in transforming agricultural waste products into wealth creation which is aligned with the theme of the workshop.
Professor Egbewole explained that the workshop is an avenue to bring together all the relevant stakeholders including ministries and agencies to collaborate with a view to make farming more attractive and boost agricultural production.
He noted that the workshop is an eye opener to know how to transform waste into productive items.
Professor Egbewole tasked the organisers to improve in the area of the product exhibition, noting that both participants and students were very happy for the opportunity given to showcase their products.
In his welcome address, the Dean, faculty of Agriculture, Professor Israel Ogunlade said the objective of the workshop is to ensure what was learnt from research positively impacts the community and, to also add the traditional knowledge of the community to promote the agricultural sector of the country.
He said the institution is thriving to change the mindset of the people from turning waste to wealth in order to promote healthier life and reduce the impact of climate change.
On her part, the Acting Head of the Host Department, Dr. Kehinde Affinnih who is also steering sustainability efforts as a pilot institution of the UNIDO/EU 2025 Program, urged participants and the businesses to embrace circularity, cut waste, and boost resource efficiency.
Dr. Affinnih maintained that it is worth revisiting traditional farming practices, pre-dating the advent of chemical fertilisers, to uncover methods of enriching organic matter and boosting soil health, as well as effectively convert waste into valuable soil enhancers,
Earlier in his address, the Chairman organising committee for the workshop, Professor Adebisi Adeyina said the event would contribute to the economic growth of the nation especially in the area of crop waste utilisation.