The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN has commended the Institute of Vocational Training and Research in Agriculture (IVOTRA), led by Prof. Akinyode Timothy Olawumi, and his team for successfully establishing a seven-acre oil palm plantation for a private agricultural investor in Ogun State.
Prof. Oladipo described the achievement as a significant demonstration of the University’s growing capacity to provide professional consultancy services that support agricultural development, sustainable enterprise, and national economic growth.
The plantation project which was executed for Vine Tree Limited, Cadogan Estate, Lekki, Lagos, is located at Simawa and Kanuyi Communities behind the Redemption Camp in Ogun State. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the successful completion of the assignment further reinforces TASFUED’s commitment to applying academic knowledge, research expertise, and practical experience to solving real-life agricultural challenges.
He particularly praised Prof. Olawumi for providing effective leadership throughout the project and acknowledged the contributions of Farm Officers Mr S. O. Akinnagbe and Mr Ayoade Adeyemi, as well as Mr Jerry Agbasi and a team of casual labourers, whose collective efforts ensured the successful establishment of the plantation.
Prof Oladipo noted that the project goes beyond the physical establishment of the plantation, as IVOTRA has also been engaged to provide post-planting maintenance and technical support to ensure the sustainability and productivity of the investment in the years ahead.
Prof. Oladipo further stated that the consultancy engagement has generated revenue for the University, strengthened its corporate image, enhanced industry relations, and created opportunities for future partnerships and agricultural expansion initiatives.
He reaffirmed TASFUED’s commitment to innovation, research, community engagement, and enterprise development, stressing that the University remains available to provide professional consultancy services to individuals, organisations, government agencies, and private companies seeking to invest in agriculture and agribusiness.
“The University’s areas of expertise include oil palm cultivation, greenhouse farming, crop production, agricultural extension services, agribusiness development, honey production, and other agricultural enterprises that promote food security and sustainable development,” he further added
Prof. Oladipo encouraged prospective partners and investors to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and technical expertise available at TASFUED, assuring them of the University’s readiness to support initiatives that contribute to agricultural transformation, economic prosperity, and national development.
