Ibadan: An Agriculture development expert, Dr Debo Akande, has called for a deliberate agro-industrial strategy as a solution to Nigeria’s longstanding economic stagnation and development challenges.
He made the call during a lecture to commemorate the 86th birthday of Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande, and the 18th anniversary of Splash FM on Tuesday at the University of Ibadan Alumni Hall.
Splash FM, the first private radio station in Ibadan, was established by West Midlands Communications Limited and owned by Oba Akande.
Akande, the guest lecturer, is the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and Executive Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Development Cooperation.
He explained the need to distinguish between economic growth and development, stating that using them interchangeably has hindered effective policy-making and hindered progress in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
“We must embrace a value-chain-based approach involving downstream, midstream, and upstream sectors.
“Private sector-led processing, technological innovation, and science-driven practices are crucial to transforming agriculture,” he said.
Akande decried Nigeria’s meagre agriculture budget, stressing the need for better funding, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships to boost agribusiness.
Also, Prof. Jide Owoeye, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Lead City University in Ibadan, lauded Oba Akande’s vision and entrepreneurial conviction.
Owoeye, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said the Oba Akande comes across as a man of quality, describing him as his silent role model.
He commended the celebrant’s choice of celebrating his birthday with an intellectual colloquium featuring eminent scholars and practitioners engaged in topical public discourse.
Owoeye said that the event has become an annual agenda-setting activity, offering solutions to critical issues in the country and beyond.
In his remarks, Oba Akande expressed heartfelt gratitude as he marked his 86th birthday and the 18th anniversary of Splash FM, surrounded by loved ones.
The traditional ruler, who spoke through the Managing Director, West Midlands Communications Limited, Mrs Atinuke Adetunji, described the twin celebrations as a rare privilege.
He applauded the support of family, friends, and colleagues who helped turn Splash FM from a whispered vision into a trailblazing media brand.
The royal father hailed West Midlands Communications’ team for redefining radio in Ibadan, adding that Splash FM remained a torchbearer of values, innovation, and legacy in Nigeria’s broadcast landscape.
The event was attended by the wife, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics, media practitioners, family members, friends, and staff members of West Midlands Communications.