AThe Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA, has appointed a Nigerian based in Texas, United States of America, Amb. Bailey Aderopo Oladele as the new director- directorate of diaspora.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed on Friday March 1st, 2024 by the Director General Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel.
According to the statement, the organisation appointed him going by his silent contributions towards the sustainability of security within the state he is in Texas, United States of America and Nigeria as a country before he left
CONYSSA noted that Oladele possesses the knowledge and skills to address complex social issues.” Your track records in human capacity building are more reasons to this appointment
Amb. Bailey Oladele until his appointment was the Chief of Staff to the Director General CONYSSA
He was former south/west youth leader presidential Campaign Council
He was also the former Special Assistant to the Honourable Member Representing Akoko South East
Reacting to the appointment, Oladele expressed with delight that the organisation selected him
“I’m very happy and excited that the organisation selected me to serve as a Director, Directorate of Diaspora. Because I have long had an interest in CONYSSA’s cause, I am eager to lend my support.”
Oladele tagged the appointment as worthwhile cause saying the Director General’s confidence in him to help his cause is touching.
The new Director promised to make the organization proud.
“Nigerians in diaspora will pull resources together to make CONYSSA great in the diaspora.I have personally seen the results of the great activities, so I come on board without hesitation”, he said
With organizations like yours complementing national security, we can all take heart that the future will be better for all.
He expressed that Nigeria stands to benefit a great deal as CONYSSA accomplish each objective.
Speaking on the challenges bedevilling Nigeria especially insecurity he pledged to unite with burgeoning diaspora so as to provide the Nigeria with the helping hand it needs.
“Nigerians in diaspora will evolve practical solutions to security challenges in Nigeria”he added
“I look forward to working with members to better the security challenges of our country. Nigeria faces many security challenges but working together we can collectively complement national security making our security structure more stronger, more agile and better” he added.
In a shared effort to address gender equality across the board, PICTT/NASENI unveils initiative supporting female engineers succeed in engineering and technology based enterprise
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has said the Agency would double the number of female Engineers in Nigeria over the next five years
The EVC/CEO made this pledge on Friday at the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja during the official launch of “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her” (DELT-Her), an event which also coincided with the global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to Halilu, DELT-HER is an opportunity platform through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking engineering ideas, for funding by NASENI through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).
L- R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Nko Esuabana; President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQs Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.
Speaking further on the project, the EVC said DELT-Her seeks to correct the balance in practice and enterprise development by focusing attention and funding on young women, and very importantly, creating and cultivating public awareness around the need to train and mentor more women into the engineering professions.
He expressed that women makes up half of the population. what this should ideally mean is that women should make up half of all professional spaces in the country but, for now, this is far from reality.
“The global average for female representation in engineering is 28 per cent. In Nigeria, it is only five percent, only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman. This awareness component of the work is one that we will take very seriously, working through schools, and storytelling campaigns.
“We intend to, through DELT-HER, double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years. This will mean working extensively at the level of secondary education, which is where young girls make the vital decisions regarding choice of professional field”, said Halilu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru stated that, “The Committee, through continuous support of NASENI is determined to fund innovative and commercially viable ideas in engineering and technology-oriented proposals by women. Therefore, today’s launch of call for proposals from young women marks the beginning of a chain of events which are expected to lead to engineering start-up companies owned and run by women.”
In her key note address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala said DELT-HER initiative sought to address the challenges of practice by the female gender, and to unlock the full potentials of women in engineering.
Other goodwill messages at the event included the chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi who pledged his support for Women in engineering and science sector to ensure that they are given their rightful position in society.
Others who gave goodwill messages include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola and Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria(APWEN), Engr. Mrs. Katume Giwa. The event was graced by students from Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja.
In a shared effort to address gender equality across the board, PICTT/NASENI unveils initiative supporting female engineers succeed in engineering and technology based enterprise
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has said the Agency would double the number of female Engineers in Nigeria over the next five years
The EVC/CEO made this pledge on Friday at the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja during the official launch of “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her” (DELT-Her), an event which also coincided with the global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to Halilu, DELT-HER is an opportunity platform through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking engineering ideas, for funding by NASENI through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).
Speaking further on the project, the EVC said DELT-Her seeks to correct the balance in practice and enterprise development by focusing attention and funding on young women, and very importantly, creating and cultivating public awareness around the need to train and mentor more women into the engineering professions.
He expressed that women makes up half of the population. what this should ideally mean is that women should make up half of all professional spaces in the country but, for now, this is far from reality.
“The global average for female representation in engineering is 28 per cent. In Nigeria, it is only five percent, only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman. This awareness component of the work is one that we will take very seriously, working through schools, and storytelling campaigns.
“We intend to, through DELT-HER, double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years. This will mean working extensively at the level of secondary education, which is where young girls make the vital decisions regarding choice of professional field”, said Halilu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru stated that, “The Committee, through continuous support of NASENI is determined to fund innovative and commercially viable ideas in engineering and technology-oriented proposals by women. Therefore, today’s launch of call for proposals from young women marks the beginning of a chain of events which are expected to lead to engineering start-up companies owned and run by women.”
In her key note address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala said DELT-HER initiative sought to address the challenges of practice by the female gender, and to unlock the full potentials of women in engineering.
Other goodwill messages at the event included the chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi who pledged his support for Women in engineering and science sector to ensure that they are given their rightful position in society.
Others who gave goodwill messages include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola and Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria(APWEN), Engr. Mrs. Katume Giwa. The event was graced by students from Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja.
L to R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Nko Esuabana; President Nigeria Society of Engineers NSE, Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi and students of Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQ Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle, MON has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with the Government of India in the area of Defence Cooperation.
Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe Director (Information and Public relations) disclosed that Matawalle stated this when he received the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence India, Mr. Anurag Bajpai and his delegation in Ship House Abuja.
The Minister who outlined the areas of mutual Military Cooperation to include; Intelligence Sharing, Joint training and other support for Nigeria’s drive to end insecurity.
Dr. Matawalle said that the meeting on defence collaboration marked a significant step towards fostering a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India in Defence sector.
He expressed profound pleasure as he hosted the delegation highlighting the importance of the collaborative efforts for the mutual benefit of both countries.
He emphasized: “The defence cooperation between the two countries will strengthen the existing bond between Nigerian and Indian governments and will enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Acknowledging Nigeria’s commitment to upgrading its military-industrial complex, Dr. Matawalle said that the newly signed DICON bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would boost the joint Defence cooperation.
He assured the Indian government of fastraking efforts to amend the draft Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) between the two countries on defence cooperation.
The Minister noted that Nigeria has remained a major participant in joint bilateral activities with India, adding that significant achievements have been made but more can be done especially in the security sector.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana, mni appreciated the Indian government for the cordial relationship between both countries.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, India Anurag Bajpai described Nigeria as strategic partner to India in Military diplomatic ties and promised to continue to build on the existing relationship between both countries.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) says the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is not to blame for the stampede that occurred during the sale of subsidised rice in Lagos.
The NCSCN made its position known in a communique it issued on Friday, at the end of its 1st Quarter of 2024 deliberations, to discuss the state of the nation in Abuja.
The NCSCN, which described as unfortunate the incident which on Feb. 23, when the President Bola Tinubu-led government, through the NCS, tried to offer vital humanitarian intervention, occasioned by the current economic hardship.
”It is saddening that this good intended gesture of government witnessed unexpected casualties,” the council stated in the communique signed by Blessing Akinlosotu, its Executive Director.
The council said the emergency meeting, which was held in line with its convention, practices, and obligations, was to deliberate on the current state of the Nation, critical developments and sundry issues on the front burner in national discourse across the Federation.
The council, therefore, observed that the unstable and high exchange rate of the naira and its attendant consequences, were to be blamed for the incident as the NCS was only carrying out the mandate it was given.
The council further listed other factors as the bane of the current challenges the country was facing.
”The naira depreciation that has culminated into high cost of living, particularly the food inflation that is soaring higher as the day breaks.
”The resultant closure of factories and reduction in services has yielded only unemployment and increase in criminality.
”It was also observed that the high cost of transportation is affecting productivity.
”The council observed with displeasure the drop in electricity supply which has affected both domestic and industrial activities.
”The council also observed the resurgence of communal crisis and clashes, insurgencies, and kidnappings,” it said.
According to the communique, the NCS made the right call when it decided that for accountability and transparency, payment for the subsidised rice should be made through Remita.
”However, due to poor network, the payment was slow culminating into waste of time, then leading to the decision for cash on ground purchase.
”Furthermore, it was also revealed that when the Comptroller General realised that the Cash Payment method was still slow and time was fast running out, he ordered for free distributions, which yielded positive result.
”However, at some point after he had left, the crowd became impatient and unruly as they observed that the products were running out, then many pushed their way through the security barricades into the containers.
”This led to a stampede and suffocation of some persons due to intense heat and inadequate air,” it stated
According to the council, though emergency ambulances were ready and available to pick and rush victims to hospitals as part of NCS’ emergency preparedness approach, but the long distance and traffic situation did not help matters, as some lives were regrettably lost.
”We quite agree that there could have been better arrangements, however, the development is pardonable considering the good motives, intentions, actions and decisions of the NCS, hence we recommend the Service to conduct thorough investigations to address lapses and adequately compensate families of the victims,” it added.
The NCSCN, however, said of greater concern to the council was the inactivity of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Humanitarian Crisis: Civil Society Council decries inactivity of ministry calls for appointment of minister to take charge
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), says the unfortunate stampede that occurred during the distribution of subsidised rice in Lagos on Feb. 23, will have been averted if a minister had been appointed to oversee the affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The NCSCN stated this in a communique it issued at the end of an emergency meeting to deliberate on the state of the nation and other issues on the front burner of national discourse.
According to the council, the inactivity of the Ministry over lack of a substantive minister, can be said to be largely responsible for the Feb. 23 unfortunate incident.
”The Nigeria Custom Service would have been relieved of the burden of the distribution of intervention items and saved itself from any attendant complications.
”The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation should have been active enough to play its mandatory role.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a minister since the *suspension* of Beta Edu by President Bola Tinubu, over the scandal and crises that rocked the Ministry.
According to the council, in the communique jointly signed by its Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu and Maxi Oscar Kalu, its Director of Programand Organization, food insecurity, living below standard, closure of industries, leading to loss of jobs, were responsible for the current state of things in the country.
It further listed other issues such as low productivity, occasioned by high exchange rate and inability of farmers to access their farms due to banditry, kidnapping and insurgency; as the bane of Nigeria’s current challenges
”The adhoc committee report on the issues of stampede at the point of Rice sales in Lagos, revealed that the goodwill of the Nigeria Customs, aimed at widening the population of beneficiaries led to re-packaging of the 50kg bags to 25kg bags, and to be sold at N10,000 each. . ”The committee then discovered that the inactiveness in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is due to the unfortunate absence of a Minister.
”The Ministry once witnessed an unflinching commitment of a minister in the standing of Beta Edu, her patriotic zeal, and the willingness to deliver on the mandate of the ministry.
”While we await a quick resolution, we expect that justice would have been done and lessons learnt and a rejuvenated Ministry will commence delivery on its statutory mandate.
NCSCN, however, commended the impressive performance of the NCS, under the new C-G, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, towards fighting Smuggling and Smugglers head-on, with intensified vigour which has yielded remarkable results and positive dividends.
”The drastic reduction in the influx of contraband goods and illegal exportations of domestically needed produce and products from our borders within past few months is clear testimony to this monumental achievements of the new C-G.
”The monthly contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to our Tax Earnings and Internally Generated Revenue has reasonably increased since the inception of Office of the new Comptroller General.
”And from available indexes, the figures are believed to be on steady increase in coming months and years.
”This accomplishment, if sustained has potency of reinvigorating the nation’s ailing economy,” the NCSCN said in the communique.
NSCSN appeals for the strengthen and reinvigoration of the Ministry and need for a Young and capable Minister with performance records as was observed in Dr Beta Edu, before the unfortunate development.
The Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has assured the Arewa Traders Association of support to boost their businesses.
According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe, Director Press and Public relations, Badaru gave the assurance when he received the Arewa Traders Association led by the Acting National President, Alhaji Adam Hassan Ibrahim in Ship House, Abuja.
He pointed out that the Association has been very supportive during the 2023 Local Government, State Government, National Assembly and the Presidential general election where APC won most of these elections.
Consequently, the Minister promised the Association of his support knowing full well of the Association’s strategic support during the last elections.
Speaking on the importance of the Association to national development, Badaru pledged his unalloyed support saying: ” I am one of you, hence, I understand your areas of challenges.”
He promised to convey their good will message and their demands to President Bala Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
Arewa Traders Association is an umbrella body for all legitimate traders across the nineteen Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)and the largest registered Association in Nigeria.
Earlier, the leader of the Association, Alhaji Adam Hassan Ibrahim congratulated the Minister for his appointment, saying it was well deserved.
He said that the purpose of their visit was to come and commemorate with the Minister on his appointment and to launch appeal for the welfare of members of the Association.
He therefore appealed to the Minister to carry along the Association in Federal Government’s Social Welfare schemes.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni and his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON have harped on the harmonious working relationship with Nigerian National Assembly as exemplified in the oversight function of the House Committee on Defence.
According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe Director (Information and Public relations), Badaru stated this during the oversight visit by the House Committee on Defence to Ministry of Defence.
Badaru commended the harmonious working relationship saying that it enhanced the smooth running of the activities and programmes of the Ministry adding that the modest achievements recorded so far would not have been possible without their cooperation.
Reiterating Mr President’s position of eliminating terrorists and insurgents from our society, the Minister said that with the cooperation of the National Assembly in terms of appropriation to the Ministry, the Nigerian Military has recorded tremendous successes in the fight against the various security challenges that have plagued the country especially the cases of banditry, kidnapping, Oil theft and terrorism.
Speaking further, he said that the Ministry will do everything within its power to ensure that the Armed Forces welfare and entitlements are adequately given at the right time saying that it would serve as a motivating factor for them in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni presented the context, achievements and challenges of the Ministry.
The Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Honourable Babajimi Benson said that the purpose of the visit was to identify the areas of challenge with the view of assisting the Ministry in actualizing its mandate and also for a better planning strategies for 2024.
The Hourable Minister of State for Defence Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, has commended the planned partnership between the Ministries of Defence and Steel Development for the production of Military hardware in a section of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release disclosed that the Minister made the commendation during the meeting on the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Steel Development at Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister stated that Federal Government was committed to actualizing the light steel mill of the Steel Complex to be able to produce iron which would be used for the production of several Military hardware and equipment.
Matawalle stated that there had been series of engagements between the two Ministries on how to perfect plans for the production of Military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel.
According to the Minister, the Ajaokuta Steel which was a massive project built over 40 years ago would boost employment generation for Nigerians when the partnership between the two Ministries on revamping it comes to fruition.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company will become source of iron to be used for the production of Military hardware locally and with the combined efforts of the two Ministries, production will commence soon,” he said.
Dr. Matawalle said that reinforcing the company to produce Military hardware to full capacity wouldl boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.
In addition, he urged the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries to come up with a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kick start the implementation of the project.
In his response, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu commended the efforts of the two Ministers of Defence and added that the administration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed to resuscitating the Ajaokuta plant inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President’s administration.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana mni appreciated the Honourable Minister of State for Defence for this good initiatives and promised to work hand in hand with his counterpart at the Ministry of Steel Development for a successful implementation of the MOU for the good of the project.
In attendance at the meeting were the two Ministers, the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, his Steel Development counterpart, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Sumaila Abdul- Akaba, Director- General of National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo and some Management Staff of Defence Ministry.
…As he warns those calling for truncation of Constitutional Government
By Emmanuel Daudu
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has described those calling for the undemocratic change of Government as agents of darkness. He warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that Government would not treat those behind it with kid glove. “The call for violent change of government by the Military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the Military has come to reality with democratic Government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.”
According to Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, FCAi, fsca,fcpe, Director Information, Press and Public Relations, the Minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups, stating, “Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present Government, there will be no Military takeover of power.” He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.
The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of distabilization as Nigeria has a democratic Government in place and democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the dividends of democracy are being delivered.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundermental human rights are being respected.
In addition, some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution of which they will never do because they have been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.
However, consequent to this and other extenuating factors, the Ministry of Defence is warning all the propagators calling for truncation of the constitutional Government to desist from it and face the democratic reality on ground as the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has directed Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.
Nigeria is a peaceful country where citizens enterprise, no uprising, no mass protest, and just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities. The military is highly professionalised with good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority.
I urge all Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith with the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in his efforts at making Nigeria great.
Consequently, Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the constitution and uphold democracy. He assures the public of the military readiness to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
A global figure making impact in the academic macrocosm globally, the UNESCO Laureate, His Excellency Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu has mourned the death of Dr. Oluremi Atanda, OFR (1939- 2024).
According to a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja-Nigeria by his Media Director, Emmanuel Daudu, on the 7th of March, 2024, disclosed that the Late Dr. Atanda until is death was an illustrious son of Iwoland.
“Dr. Atanda’s passing is a great loss to the academic community and to Iwoland, where he was one of the first set of PhD holders. His contributions to education and research will be sorely missed, and he will be remembered as a dedicated scholar and a true and Patrotic Nigerian. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time”.
Prof. Aremu, while giving a background about the late Atanda, has this to say, “Dr. Mufutau Oluremi Ademola Atanda was a Nigerian agricultural scientist, administrator, and holder of the Nigeria’s Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
“Born on September 22, 1939, in Iwo, Osun State, Atanda attended Amin Training Centre, a foremost Quraanic school in Iwo until 1946. He started his primary education in 1946 at the Baptist Day School, Oke Odo, in Iwo and graduated in 1952.
“For his secondary school education, he attended Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo. After his higher school certificate examination in 1958 at the Government College, Ibadan, he proceeded to study Agricultural Science at the University of Nottingham in England.
“He subsequently earned his PhD. at the University of Newcastle, UK, at a very relatively young age, and he was the first Iwo indigene to bag a PhD.
He began his research career at the West Africa Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan in 1964 and worked there until 1972 when he joined the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria. In 1975, he left the council to serve as the Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture.
“Between 1976 and 1979, Atanda worked with the National Cereals Research Institute.He later worked as the Director of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria between 1979 and 1980.
“Between 1980 and 1983, he was the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission. He has also consulted for other bodies including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. He was on the board of trustees of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), between 1976 and 1978.
“After serving as a member of National Committee on Subsidies to Nigeria Agriculture between 1986 and 1987, Atanda retired from the public service after nearly 25 years.
“An educationalist par excellence, Dr. Atanda was the proprietor of Atanda Group of Schools.
“Until his death on March 4, 2024, Dr. Atanda was the Eketa Oba of Iwoland and Ekerin (Prime Minister) of Ikire -Ile and he was also the immediate past President of Iwo Board of Trustees.
“May Almighty Allah forgive and grant our baba, Dr. Oluremi Atanda, OFR al- janaat fridaous…Amin”, he prayed
Africa Security Investigation News 