The training workshop and exhibition was co-sponsored by the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform (OAIP) in Oyo-Osun Technical Advisor Platform in Nigeria and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The training/workshop was a product of inter-university collaborative efforts between Osun State University and the University of Ibadan. The program was aimed at presenting the participants with the benefits of alternative agricultural system in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices, which is striving for sustainability and innovative farm practices including the enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity and the prohibition of use of chemicals and synthetic pesticides/ antibiotics.
The program was chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Labo Popoola, who was represented by the Director for Quality Assurance Dr. A. L. Kehinde. In his message, Professor Popoola expresses the determination of the university to ensure that hosting communities derive benefits from each of the campuses in their domain. This program is one of such and he encouraged participants to make the best of the opportunity.
The Provost of the College, Professor F. E. Babatunde who is the host of the program in his welcome remark expressed his delight at the demonstrated interest in organic agriculture, which in his opinion is a return to better and sustainable farming practices, which guarantee healthy eating and living.
The highpoints of the program was the presentations by two renowned experts in the field of agriculture namely the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Professor O. C. Adebooye, Osun State University, Prof T.I. Olabiyi of the Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and a social justice crusader, Mrs Onaolapo Morenikeji, Justice Development and Peace Commission, Osogbo.
Prof C. O. Adebooye’s lecture focused on the organic production of indigenous vegetables. He listed about ten indigenous vegetables that participants could grow to improve their economic status. He there after demonstrated the production of pumpkin (ugwu) and solanium (gbagba), amaranth (tete). In his presentation, Professor T. I. Olabiyi - a seasoned Organic Agricultural Practitioner discussed the principles of production under organic agriculture and weed/ pest control in organic farm practices. He also explained the various benefits associated with organic agriculture practices, as well as the alternatives to chemical and harmful weed and pest control measures. Mrs Onaolapo Morenikeji in her paper explained the requirement for establishing and management of an apiary as well as honey production and organic practices.
The program was well attended by practising and prospective farmers from various communities around Ejigbo – Ife Odan, Isudunrin, Ilawo, Ara and Agricultural officers from the various Local Government areas of State of Osun. At the end of the program, the participants were very happy and applauded the program especially for deploying the use of both Yoruba and English languages as the major language of communication during the program. The participants also formed Organic groups was later formed by each of the communities present with a resolution start organic practices in their various locations. Mr Awoyinka a retiree of ADP, Osun State was to coordinate the groups in collaboration with the College. Three different seeds (pumpkin, solanium and amaranth) were distributed free.
The program was jointly chaired by Deacon N. O. Oderinu a renowned farmer in the community and Mrs Yetunde Adegoke CEO of Worgor Farm Nig Limited.