Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
In a landmark event held today, August 29th, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially handed over modern early warning detection equipment for Fall Armyworm (FAW) to the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The colourful ceremony took place at the Department of Crop Protection, a hub of innovation and scientific excellence.
The
Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ahmed Adamu, personally
received the equipment on behalf of the University from the FAO Country
Representative’s delegate, Mr. Taofiq Braimah. This symbolic handover reflects
FAO’s strong commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural research
institutions in tackling one of the most destructive pests threatening food
security in Africa.
The
event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries and stakeholders, including:
Prof.
Ado A. Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR with all the management staff, Prof.
Yusuf Sani, Executive Director of NAERLS, Prof. S. B. Abdu, Dean, Faculty of
Agriculture, Engr. Shehu Muhammad Dalhatu, representative of the Kaduna State
Commissioner of Agriculture, Several Heads of Departments, Programme Leaders,
Unit Heads, and staff of IAR, The entire staff of the Department of Crop
Protection, led by their HOD
In
his remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to FAO for
identifying IAR as a partner of choice in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against
Fall Armyworm. He noted that the destructive pest has caused significant losses
to farmers across the country, particularly in maize and other staple crops. He
emphasized that with this cutting-edge early detection system, IAR is now
better positioned to:
Ø Monitor
and track the spread of the pest in real time
Ø Provide
timely alerts and advisories to farmers
Ø Support
evidence-based interventions to protect food systems
Ø Safeguard
the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers
The
Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, lauded the collaboration between
FAO and IAR, affirming that the equipment will not only boost research but also
ensure that farmers on the frontline receive actionable solutions. He assured
FAO and stakeholders that IAR will deploy the equipment effectively to maximize
its impact.
Also
speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. S.B. Abdu, described
the handover as a “timely intervention” that would empower the Nigerian
agricultural sector to be proactive, not reactive, in tackling pest outbreaks. It
will also help the undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The
highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling and demonstration of the
equipment, which was met with applause and optimism from researchers and
technical staff. The atmosphere was filled with hope as participants
acknowledged that this collaboration marks a new dawn in crop protection and
food security strategies in Nigeria.
This
event reaffirms IAR’s role as Nigeria’s premier agricultural research
institute, consistently working with national and international partners to
provide solutions that empower farmers, improve productivity, and secure the
future of food in Nigeria.
Together
with FAO, IAR is setting the pace in science-driven agriculture and ensuring
that farmers never walk alone in the fight against threats to their harvest.
#IAR #FAO #FallArmyworm #FoodSecurity #AgriculturalInnovation #CropProtection #FarmersFirst 
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