ARCN Newsletter November 2022 Edition.pdf

“......today’s research is tomorrow’s wealth”
VOL. 4 No. 2 NOVEMBER, 2022 Edition
A QUARTERLY NEWS LETTER OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
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45 REGULAR MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGRICULTURE
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (NCARD): Minister of Agriculture expresses
excitement over contribution of the sector to Nation Building.
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar
stated that theAgricultural sector topped the chart in
a survey report of National Bureau of Statistics.
Noting that of seven (7) sectors identified to have
contributed to Nigeria's economy in the second
quarter of 2022, Agriculture out-performed six (6)
o t h e r s e c t o r s c o m p r i s i n g T r a d e ,
Telecommunications, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas,
RealEstateas wellasFinance&Insurance.
The Minister revealed this at the opening ceremony
th
of the 45 Regular Meeting of the National Council
on Agriculture and Rural Development (NCARD)
with the theme, “Strengthening Agricultural Value
Chain Development Process for Food Security and
Economic Development” held at Rayfield- Jos,
PlateauState,recently.
According to the Minister, Agriculture alone
contributed 23.3% to GDP (Half Year 2022), which
supports the positive trend of the previous years'
performance of 25.88% (2021). 26.21 (2020),
25.16% (2019), 25.13% (2018), 25.08% (2017),
24.45% (2016) and23.11%(2015).
He emphasized that the data reflected the impact of
the implementation of programmes and projects in
the agricultural sector despite the security
challengesinthecountry.
The Minister posited thatAgriculture is a key sector
in the country as it does not only feed millions of
people, but also contributing towards the overall
development of the economy. In his words, “It has
been consistently prioritized by successive
Administrations towards ensuring food security and
attainingnationaldevelopmentplans”.
Dr.Abubakar maintained that the Ministry would equally
sustain its programmes on farm inputs subsidy support
programme, registration, clustering and validation of
farmers, mainstreaming women and youth in
agribusiness, and developing Cooperatives along
variousagriculturalcommodityvaluechains.
Executive Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong with the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar During the NCARD, 2022

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He stated that federal government has approved an
intervention fund for the completion of 10 numbers
of large-scale rice mills in the 10 States of the
federation.
The Mills are located in Jigawa, Kano, Adamawa,
Niger, Kaduna, Gombe, Ekiti, Ogun, Bayelsa and
Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Mills are
located in Jigawa, Kano,Adamawa, Niger, Kaduna,
Gombe, Ekiti, Ogun, Bayelsa and Federal Capital
Territory(FCT).
He added that other efforts were the development of
Agribusiness Incubation Centres, with capacity to
train 4,000 beneficiaries per session, which are
located in the Federal University of Agriculture,
Makurdi, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University,
Katsina, University of Ibadan, University of
Maiduguri, Niger Delta University and University of
Abuja.
He disclosed that the Ministry facilitated the
production and distribution of 920MT of assorted
improved seeds (Breeder, Foundation and High
Breed Seeds) of Cashew, Sesame, Sorghum, Maize,
Rice, as well as the distribution of 67,000 Litres of
Agro-Chemicals to 1,397,469 farmers and 14,785
Agricultural Equipment, Material,Tools, Groundnut
Processing machines, Rice Mills, Cashew
processing Machines, Oil Palm Processing Mills
with components, Tractors, Combine Harvester
Tricycles for Farmers, Colour Sorter and 2000
Knapsacksprayers tofarmersacross thecountry.
The Minister stated that the Ministry had also trained
153,124 women and youths on various agricultural
crop, fishery and livestock value chain and
empowered 142,703, trained 214,787 farmers on
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and 220,018
farmers on Farmer Business School (FBS), trained
3,985 Extension Agents across the country on
agricultural value chains and extension methods,
established Nine Nos Agricultural Extension
Services Delivery Centres in Anambra, Oyo, Cross
River, Kano, Bauchi, Niger, Benue, Edo and Katsina
States, procured and distributed to 370 Nos
Motorcycles Front Line Extension Agents to
enhancetheirmobility.
Speaking further, he added that recently, the Ministry was
able to set up a fact finding mission under the Leadership
of the Executive Director, National Root Crop Research
Institute (NRCRI), Umudike to investigate the
scourge of the Potato Blight Disease that has ravage
some farms in Plateau State with a view to finding a
solutiontotheproblem.
Abubakar stressed on the need to maintain
collaboration as a requirement for sharing
initiatives, identifying interventions, pooling
resourcesandimplantingprogrammesinthesector.
He stated, “our task at this meeting is to review and
even consolidate the previous resolutions of the
Council, so as to provide further guidance on the
future directions for the sector and make the desired
impactontheeconomyas awhole”.
He, therefore, solicited for active participation and
support of all stakeholders in the facilitation of rural
infrastructure, research and innovation, credit and
insurance,extensionservicesandagribusiness
website: www.arcn.gov.ng
info@arcn.gov.ng Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria,
@ArcnAbuja
Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar

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investment in the country, emphasizing that it
would enable food and nutrition security and
economicdevelopmentinNigeria.
Also remarking, the Executive Governor of Plateau
State/ Chairman Northern Governors Forum, Rt
Hon. Simon Lalong, while declaring the Council
open, commended the Hon. Minister and his team
for ensuring that the Council meeting was held in
PlateauState.
He said that there is no better time than now for
stakeholders to convene a meeting to brainstorm on
best strategies and policies to tackle hunger which
isthreateningthegeneralwell-beingof Nigerians.
The Governor pointed out that, potato farming has
been aggregated from a subsistence activity to a
large-scale activity that was aimed at supplying the
domesticmarketandexport.
According to him, “We have completed a Tissue
Culture Laboratory in Mangu as well as built
processing centres and warehouses in various local
governments. Similarly, we have built market stalls
in various centres to make the marketing of the
productveryeasyandcost-effective”.
The Governor seized the opportunity to draw the
attention of the Hon. Minister to the increase in the
incidences of devastation of Potato farms by Potato
blight disease which had almost wiped out the
existinglowyieldinganddegeneratedseeds.
He, therefore, requested the Federal Government to
come to their aid by paying some compensation for
the huge losses running into billions. He also
requested for the upgrade of the National Root Crops
Research Institute, Kuru outstation in Plateau State
to a full-ﬂedged Potato research Institute amongst
otherissues.
On his part, the Hon. Minister of State, Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Mustapha Shehuri commended the Executive
Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency,
Governor Simon Lalong, and his team for the
provision of conducive venue for the meeting and
provision of necessary security arrangements for the
event.
In his words, “The gesture by the Plateau State
Government in hosting this meeting against all odds
is indeed a demonstration of the continued
cooperation between the Federal and State
Governments”.He pointed out that the
intensiﬁcationofeffortoncommodityvaluechain
Cross Section of Participants at NCARD - 2022 Jos, Plateau State
@ArcnAbuja

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In what seemed to be another landmark achievement
in the National Agricultural Research System
(NARS) and the entire Agricultural sector under the
leadership of Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar,
Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, was the recent conduct of successful
exercise leading to the appointment of five (5)
Executive Director of Agricultural Research
Institutes and two (2) Provosts of Federal Colleges of
Agriculture.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Professor G. H.
Sharubutu mni who led the two sets of exercises
conducted at two different periods was highly
commended for the most transparent and credible
processes of appointment of Chief Executives
Officers(CEOs) of NARIs andFCAs.
The first exercise involved Institutions such as
Federal College of FreshWater FisheriesTechnology
(FCFFT) Baga, National Institute for Fresh Water
Fisheries Research (NIFFR) New-Bussa, Federal
College of Fresh Water Fisheries Technology
(FCFFT) New-Bussa, National Institute of
Horticultural Research (NIHORT) Ibadan, was
conducted between January and February, 2022. The
second exercise took place recently between
September and October, 2022 includes Lake Chad
Research Institute (LCRI) Maiduguri, the Rubber
Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) Benin and the
National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI)
Umudike.
The exercises were transparently carried out in
accordance withARCNAct 2021 as amended, in that
it commenced with placement of advert in the
National dailies and ARCN digital platforms.
Applications were received and collated from
prospective candidates Nation-wide and Aptitude
TestconductedatthevariousvacantInstitutions.
Immediately after the aptitude test, the Marking
Panel constituted by the Executive Secretary,
transparently carried out the marking of the exam-
answer scripts. The Marking Panel which was
chaired by Nuhu Yusuf, Director Knowledge
Management and Communications, ARCN
comprises of qualified professional senior officers
and representative from Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD),
Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), State Security
Service (SSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and
other related offences Commission (ICPC), and
FederalCharacterCommission(FCC).
The successful candidates were invited to theARCN
Headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja for oral interview.
The interview panel was headed by the Honourable
Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development, ably
represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest
A. Umakhihe and Executive Secretary ARCN as
Secretary of the Panel. Amongst the members of the
panel were, Director Human Resources FMARD,
Director AE&SE-ARCN, Director Administration-
ARCN, Executive Director NSPRI Ilorin and
representatives of CCB, ICPC, SSS and FCC. The
Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar
graciously approved the outcome of the interviews
and accordingly the successful candidates were
communicated by the Executive Secretary, ARCN
for thecollectionof theirappointmentletters.
While issuing the appointment letters to the newly
Chief Executive Officers at theARCN Headquarters,
Mabushi,Abuja, the Executive Secretary Prof. Garba
Hamidu Sharubutu mni charged them to work
towards improving the standard of their various
institutions and the entire National Agricultural
Research System for Food and Nutrition Security of
Nigeria.
The list of the Colleges and Institutes and their
respective new Chief Executive Officers is given
below:
1. Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries
Technology,Baga,BornoState
Dr.BakoMallamModu
ARCN APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
(CEOs) OF NARIs AND FCAs
@ArcnAbuja

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“THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IS DEVELOPING
A ROBUST EXTENSION SYSTEM TO SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT”-SHEHURI
2. Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries
Technology,New Bussa, NigerState
Dr.BabatundeD. Olaosebikan
3. National Institute for Horticultural Research ,
Ibadan,Oyo State
Dr.AttandaMuhammedLawal
4. National Institute of Freshwater Fisheries
Research,New Bussa, NigerState
Dr.AttahiruMohammedSule
5. Lake Chard Research Institute, Maiduguri,
BornoState
Dr.BabaGanaJugudum Kabir
6. RubberResearchInstitute,Benin,EdoState
Dr.LeliaDongo
7. National Root Crop Research Institute,
Umudike, Abia State Prof. Chiedozie Ngozi
Egesi
development process as reﬂected in the theme was
out of the desire to grow agriculture, diversify the
economy, ensure food security and empower the
citizenrythroughpublic-private-partnership.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Senator Bima
Mohammed Enegi, commended the Hon. Minister
for his initiatives towards diversifying the nation' s
economy through NATIP, which would drive the
valuechain.
Highlights of the event were the inspection tour to
Agriculture exhibition stand, Potato Research
Institute, National Veterinary Research Institute
and Federal College of Land Resources
Technology,Kuru, Jos, PlateauState.
The Executive Secretary, Professor Garba Hamidu
Sharubutu, mni had also set a milestone record
since the inception of Agricultural Research
Council of Nigeria 15 years by leading a largest of
team comprising of all technical Directors and
th
principalofﬁcerstothe45 Councilmeeting.
This statement is credited to the Honourable
Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural
Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, during
st
the 1 Retreat of National Assembly (NASS)
Committees on Agriculture, Executive Directors of
National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs),
Provosts of Federal Colleges of Agriculture, Vice
Chancellors of Universities of Agriculture and the
Directors of Agricultural Research Council of
nd
Nigeria held on 22 March, 2022 at Chida Hotel,
Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Promoting
Collaboration, Research and Training between
Public and Private Institutions for Sustainable
Agricultural Production and Food Security” and the
objective of the retreat is geared towards
strengthening the weak bond/linkages between the
National Assembly Members and the Research,
Extension and training institutions under the Federal
MinistryofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.
The Hon. Minister of State acknowledged that
Agricultural Research and training is a vital
component and indeed a strong pillar in the draft
National Agricultural Technology and Innovation
Policy under consideration and urged the institutions
to work relentlessly to create innovation platform in
areasof Crop Production,
Mustapha Baba Shehuri
Hon. Minister 0f State FMARD
@ArcnAbuja

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Livestock and Fisheries by expanding the frontiers
of research to adequately cover nutrition, climate
change and efficient labour management using Farm
Mechanization Technology. In his address, the
Executive Secretary ARCN, Prof, Garba H.
Sharubutu mni, welcomed all participants and
highlighted that the retreat was the initiative of the
Chief Executives of various Institutions to address
the current challenges on Agricultural Research as a
result of Insecurity, Covid-19 Pandemic and the
Russian-Ukraine war. These problems he said had
direct effect on the economy of the world,
particularlyNigeria.
Consequently, institutions under the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
came up with the idea of brainstorming in order to
haveaviableadvicetotheadministration.
The retreat drew other participants from the key
relevant Agencies/Parastatals such as Bureau for
Public Procurement, the ICPC, the DSS amongst
others that are important for the functioning of the
Institutions.
The Executive Secretary further emphasized that the
areastobedeliberatedon were,butnotlimitedto:
§ How the various Research Institutes would
synergise with each other in order to achieve the
idealstowhichtheMinistrywas setup.
§ Proper understanding on the implementation of
recently accented ARCN Amended Bill 2021.
while the Colleges of Agriculture were tasked to
produce skilled personnel that must be relevant to
the Agricultural policy direction of the
government.
§ The dividing lines and harmony that should exist
betweenoneinstitutionandtheother.
§ The roles various Research Institutes would play
vis-à-vis the roles of the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, as a
supervisingMinistry
§ The gaps that exist in terms of capacity and how to
approach the Minister to help in addressing
issues.
§ The budget deficit as far as the implementation of
theInstitutions'programsareconcerned.
He then, appreciated the Hon. Minister of State and
Chairman House of Representatives for active
participation at the retreat in order to actualize its
goal and move the Agricultural Research System
forward.
The Executive Secretary concludes by saying that
'the journey to attain [food] self-sufficiency is
dependent on Agricultural Research, Training and
ExtensionServices'.
He then urged the Research Institutes to gear up to
ensurethatnewinnovationsarebeingintroduced,
The Chairman Committee of Directors of Research
Institutes (CODRI), Dr Abiodun Sule, represented
by The Executive Director of NIFOR, Dr Celestine
Ikuenobe reiterated that the event was another
milestone that engaged the stakeholders with the
overall goal of moving the Agricultural Research
System forward and to be more responsive to its
variousstakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary, FMARD Dr Ernest
Umakhihe presented a paper titled, 'Intra Sectorial
Linkages and Synergy for Improved Agricultural
ResearchandtraininginNigeria'.
He urged the NationalAgricultural Research System
to be development-oriented; professionally staffed
and managed; dynamic, innovative, efficient and a
provider of services that are demand-driven, cost-
effective, environmentally friendly and gender
balanced.
He stressed the need for a functional intra-sectoral
linkage and synergy between several agencies
conducting research, training and extension services
in the country and suggested strategies that could be
used to promote intra-sectoral linkage and synergy
among the research and training institutions in
Nigeria.
The Manager of ARCN-TV and Radio Station, Mr.
Zubair Abdurra'uf Idris presented a paper on an
overview of the station and its benefits to the
ResearchSystemandthenationatlarge.
@ArcnAbuja

A Delegation led by His Royal Highness (HRH) Eze
Ben Oriaku, Dike 1 of Umudike, the Traditional
Ruler of Umudike Autonimous Community was
received by the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof.
Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni. The purpose of the
visit as highlighted by HRH is to draw the attention
of the ARCN to the communities' concern over the
National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)
management lack of respect and recognition of the
communities that donated land for the institute. He
cited non-inclusion of the land donors in various
activities of the Institute and how its presence had
not been felt in their community in any way despite
several years of existence. Acknowledging the fact
that National Research Institute has been playing a
crucial role in ensuring the development of
agricultural produce in and around Nigeria since its
inception in 1923, he then, on behalf of the donor
communities, asked for a mutually beneﬁcial
relationship which would remove any friction that
might affect industrial peace and harmony. He
therefore appealed to the Council to intervene before
it gets out of hands, in order to sustain the very
harmonious relationship that had existed over the
years. Among the delegates that accompanied the
traditional ruler were Hon Ifeanyi Samuel Onuigbo,
(member Federal House of Representatives), Mr.
Matthew Ifenkwe, (President General of Oboro Clan
Welfare Association) and Chief Mrs Ann Nwagwu,
(a.k.aAdaOboro).
The Executive Secretary (ARCN) in his response,
commended the traditional rulers and the roles
played in ensuring security and peace in Umudike
and its environs. He applauded the hospitality of the
donor communities towards their visitors and
afﬁrmed the Council's commitment to the
development of each Research Institute, NRCRI
Umudike inclusive. He further said that he had
listened to their concern; and promised that one of
the major criteria to be used for the forthcoming
appointment in the institutes would be the
assessment of the ability of the person applying for
the Executive Director to relate very well with the
host Community. He then urged Mr Matthew
Ifenkwe, the President General of Oboro Clan
Welfare Association, to do all within his power to
intervene to ensure the understanding between the
Host CommunitiesandtheInstitute.
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DELEGATION OF TRADITIONAL RULERS' OF LAND OWNERS COMMUNITIES
IN UMUDIKE VISITS ARCN
th th
From the left (4 ) Prof. G. H. Sharubutu mni, ES ARCN, (5 ) HRH Eze Ben Oriaku, Dike 1 of
th
Umudike, (6 ) Hon. Ifeanyi Samuel Onuigbo.
@ArcnAbuja

The Acting Executive Director/Chief Executive
Officer of National Root Crops Research Institute
(NRCRI) Umudike, Dr Godwin Asumugha made
this statement at the 2022 Annual Research Review
th th
and Planning workshop held from 13 – 14 July
2022 at the institute headquarters, Umudike, Abia
State. The objective of the workshop was to report
progresses made from research activities in the year
2021 and plan for the year 2022.Welcoming
stakeholders from the entire south east agro-political
zone and beyond, the Ag. Executive Director stated
that the theme of the year's Research Review and
Planning workshop “Up-scaling research on Root
and Tuber Crops for Enhanced Food Security and
economic Empowerment” was timely and apt;
aimed at addressing the extant policy direction of the
government as encapsulated in the National
Development Plan (2021-2025) and going forward.
The National Agricultural Technology and
Innovation Policy (2022–2027), has reiterated
President Muhammadu Buhari Administration's
commitments to deploy knowledge, technology,
innovative and global best practices to integrate the
economic diversification process by revamping
research, training, extension, improved access to
inputs, technology and markets to revitalize
agricultural production and processing in a manner
that would create job opportunities and increase
exportrevenue.
The Institute in collaboration with IITA, Ibadan and
other International Agencies, will continue to
contribute to National Food Security and sufficiency
through research and extension activities on root and
tuber crops in line with her mandate on research into
the genetic improvement, production, processing,
storage, utilization and socio-economics of root and
tubercrops of economicimportance,hesaid.
While commending the management and staff of the
institute for striving towards actualizing the
institute's mandates through its various research and
development activities in the year under review, he
further emphasized that the research results of the
National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike
has led to significant increases in production, farm
size, productivity, processing and utilization of root
and tuber crops in Nigeria. The Institute has also
facilitated the rapid popularization and spread of its
Research/Developmental activities by training
along the value chain for root and tuber crops using
the rural empowerment concept.As a result, Nigeria
has continued to be ranked first in the world
production of cassava, yam and cocoyam with total
annual productions of over 60, 40 and 4 million
metric tonnes for cassava, yam and cocoyam,
respectively. Within the year under review, the
Institute has continued to engage in genetic
improvement, promotion and dissemination of
improved varieties of root and tuber crops and its
value-added products. To develop and strengthen
the seed system of root and tuber crops in the
country, the Institute has created a community of
seed entrepreneurs in cassava value chain and
decentralised vine multipliers in sweet potato value
chaininSouth-EastNigeria.
Further more, he briefly stated the achievement of
the institute thus: the institute produced the very
first set of certified cassava stem cuttings as seed for
distribution to farmers in collaboration with IITA
under the BASIC I Project funded by Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. The Institute has
developed and produced breeder seed of yam using
theaeroponicssysteminpartnershipwithIITA.
This is being disseminated by Commercial Seed
Producers.
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“I will continue to support and provide conducive environment for Research
activities designed to make NRCRI a Research Centre of Global repute and
standard'' - Dr Godwin Asumugha, FASN.
Dr Godwin Asumugha, Ag. Executive Director,
NRCRI, Umudike
@ArcnAbuja

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In 2020, the Nigeria's National Crops Release
Committee approved the release from NRCRI of 5
new improved cassava varieties and 2 yam varieties
in 2021. Recently, three newly cassava varieties were
released: Gamechanger (TMS13F1160P0004),
Poundable (TMEB693) and Baba 70 (TMS-
IBA000070); One yam (TDr1100497) were released
and registered. These new cassava varieties meet the
demands of Farmers, Processors and other
Consumers.
These cassava varieties are high-yielding (28-
40t/ha), pests and disease resistance, high dry matter
content (35-40%), drought tolerant, maturity period
of 9-12months and have the right colour and mealy
texture when prepared as meals. NRCRI through its
Seed Company, Umudike Seeds is operating under
BASICS-II Project to link our modernised Cassava
Breeding Programme with the Early GenerationSeed
Company to multiply Breeder and Foundation Seeds
for Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs to produce Certiﬁed
seeds for farmers in Southeast, Southsouth and
elsewhere.
Two Ginger varieties (UMUGIN 1 and UMUGIN 2)
were equally registered during this period. The
Institute has resuscitated its Adopted Villages and
Schools Outreach Programmes in collaboration with
AgriculturalResearchCouncilof Nigeria(ARCN).
Potato (Irish) production in Nigeria has increased
from 523,000 metric tonnes in 1975 to over 1 million
metric tonnes. Production has also expanded from
Jos Plateau to Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa,
Bauchi, Yobe and Borno states where potato is
produced under irrigation during the harmattan
months(NovembertoFebruary).
The true potato seed (botanical seed) developed by
the Institute has become popular among potato
farmers instead of the traditional seed tubers for seed
potato production. Effort is on course to combat the
recent outbreak of late blight and bacterial wilt of
potatoinPlateauStateandthecocoyamleafblight.
The Ag. Executive Director thanked the Staff of the
Institute for the massive support given to him to
move the Institute forward and the peace that
returned within the short period of his assumption of
ofﬁce.
In his Goodwill message, the Executive Secretary,
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN),
Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni represented
by his Technical Adviser (Plant Resources) Dr Umar
UmarcongratulatedtheInstituteforhostingthis
important event and expressed satisfaction that peace
has return to the institute following incessant crises
bedevilingtheinstituteinthepastfewmonths.
He urged the institute, particularly the Acting
Executive Director, to place emphasis on developing
and fostering good relationship between
management and staff and between stakeholders
particularly the traditional institutions hosting the
institute. He further emphasized that, for Nigeria to
achieve food security, root crops hold the key and that
is why NRCRI occupies a prominent position for
Nigeria to achieve food security and alleviate poverty
intheland.
The keynote Address was delivered by Professor
Anthony Onoja President of Agricultural Policy
,
Research Network of Nigeria (APRNet), and of
University of Port Harcourt titled, “Upscaling
research on root and tuber crops for enhanced food
securityandeconomicempowerment”.
Dr. Umar Umar Abdulahi
Technical Adviser Plant Resources to Executive
Secretary
@ArcnAbuja

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“I AM COMMITTED TOWARDS BOOSTING THE DIGITAL CAPACITY OF THE
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA”
The event attracted cream of stakeholders including
the Academia, Farmers, NGOs, Input Dealers, ADPs
in the zone, NAERLS, NASC, Traditional Rulers
from the host communities, The Local Government
Chairman, past Executive Directors and Directors of
the Institute. The Workshop was declared open by
The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Victor
Okezie Ikpeazu represented by the State
Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof Mgboji. It
featured exhibitions of technologies developed by
theInstitute.
This statement is attributed to The Executive
Secretary, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni
during his visit to the Data Centre of Galaxy
Backbone (GBB) office at Abuja. GBB is the
Nigeria's digital infrastructure and shared services
provider, charged with the responsibility to develop
and implement a National network and data
infrastructure platform for public and private
institutions. He was received by the Managing
Director of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Abubakar
MuhammadBello.
Professor Sharubutu further expressed the Council's
optimism to partner with GBB towards providing
fundamental Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) Infrastructures to the Council and
Institutions under the purview of ARCN for easy
coordination, supervision and regulation of
Agricultural Research, Training and Extension in the
entireNARS.
That visit culminated in the selection ofARCN as one
of the eight agencies in the country to benefit from the
first batch of intervention project being implemented
by the Federal Government through Galaxy
Backbone (GBB), a Government approved
Information Technology (IT) service provider under
the National Information and Technology
DevelopmentAgency (NITDA), overseen by Federal
Ministryof CommunicationandDigitalEconomy.
The intervention project is aimed at boosting the
digital capacity of Ministries Agencies and
Departments (MDAs) came at the right time and in
consonant with the zeal and aspiration of the
Executive Secretary to Digitally Transform the
activities of the Council for global best practice in
Agricultural Research, Training and Extension in the
Country. Accordingly, the implementation team
from GBB on the said project has already
commenced work with a survey on the ICT
infrastructural requirements and were fully
mobilizedtositesincemid-April,2022.
The intervention according to the SpecialAdviser on
ICTinfrastructure to the MD-GBB, Dr Umar who led
the team to the Executive Secretary, ARCN said it
was geared towards providing Local Area Network
(LAN) and Wireless Connectivity with backup
power on all networking devices. These, he added,
would beachievedthroughthefollowing:
a) Provision of Two Hundred and Thirty-Five (235)
Local Area Network (LAN) points in all the offices,
Conference Halls and Board room in the Old-
Building.
Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni
Executive Secretary ARCN
@ArcnAbuja

NEWS
11
b) Trucking with Internet Cables all LAN connecting
points in all the offices, Conference Halls and Board
roomintheOld-Building.
c) Provision of Twenty-Five (25) wireless Access
Points in both the old-building (17 points) and
Abdullahi Adamu Communication Centre (8
points).
d) Provision and installation of Six (6) number 14U-
Racks on each floor and wing of the old-building
thatistwo(2)perfloor andone(1) perwing.
e) Provision of power backup solution 24/7 (solar
batteries and 20 solar panels) for all active devices
suchas sever)
f) Up-linking the old-building server facilities to the
Abdullahi Adamu Communication Centre using
FibreOpticCables.
It is, however, important to note that as at the time of
reporting, the level of execution of the project was at
SeventyPercent(70%) completion.
In a similar development, the e-library software and
personnel record e-platform development and
installation awarded by the Executive Secretary have
been fully deployed to the Council. The newly
established ARCN e-Library and Documentation
Centre has been digitalized and resources now
accessibleonline.
TH
13 MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM MEETING (#MDT13) HELD BETWEEN
TH TH
MARCH 15 TO 17 , 2022 AT NICON HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA
Theme: Joining Efforts to build Resilient Agri-food System in West Africa and Sahel
The regional meeting was declared open by the
Development Dr Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar.
Addressing the participants, the Honourable Minister
th
highlighted the key recommendations of the 12
th
Multi-disciplinary Team Meeting (12 SFW-MDT).
th
He further reaffirmed that the 13 SFW-MDT
meeting should be interactive in line with the FAO's
Strategic Framework for the next decade which he
said seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through the
transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient
and sustainable Agri-food Systems for the “four Bs”
Better production, Better nutrition, Better
environment and Better life, leaving no one behind.
th
He said that 13 multi disciplinary team meeting
organized by the sub regional office for westAfrica of
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations was aimed at assessing the cause of
violent Agri-food System and promoting strategies
and joint efforts in West Africa and Sahel
respectively.
Among the objectives of the meeting was to reinforce
cohesion for enhanced collaboration and mutual
accountability in driving actions toward a resilient
Agri food System in West Africa and Sahel. The
specific aims of the MDT13 meeting were to review:
the Compendium of Member States on the scope of
the new FAO Strategic Framework in response to
nationalprioritiesandtheSDGS; theImplementation
of FAOSFW's Priority Framework (2020-2025); the
Biennial Priorities of the FAO member states and the
Regional Economic Communities; the Progress in
Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar
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12
NEWS
th
the recommendations of the 12 Multi-disciplinary
st
Team meeting and of the 31 FAO Regional
Conference for Africa; and also the Preparation for
nd
the 32 Regional Conference planned in April 2022,
as well as the rollout of FAO Corporate Initiatives in
the sub-region. The meeting further deliberated on
the current food and nutrition situation in the
subregion and its determinants, as well as on the
needs and requirements of the member states and key
partner institutions to mitigate the situation. The
meeting also served as an opportunity to reinforce
cohesion for enhanced collaboration, joint planning
and mutual accountability in driving actions towards
a resilient Agri food Systems in West Africa and
Sahel.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mathias
Schemale delivered a welcome address by reiterating
the need for the participants to deliberate on the
current food and nutrition situation in the sub-region
and its determinant priority areas adopted at the end
of the meeting.The meeting was in hybrid format and
attended by a large number of participants from sub-
regional teams composed of the sub-regional
coordinator, FAO representatives from 15 ECOWAS
member countries, sub-regional technical offices and
emergency centres for trans-boundary animal
diseases among others. It was also attended by
Executive Secretary ofARCN, the Directors from the
Ministry ofAgriculture and other heads ofAgencies.
At the end of the meeting the committee identified
key priority areas which include Fisheries and
aquaculture, livestock, crops and processing climate
changewereunanimouslyadopted.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (ARCN) COLLABORATES WITH CENTRE
FOR FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (CEFTER) BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY TOWARDS
INCLUSION OF AFRICAN INDIGENOUS FOODS IN THE GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS.
The recent events around the world have made it
crystal clear that Africa, particularly Nigeria, must
produce its own food to feed its teaming population.
Many of these African Indigenous Foods are
neglected and under utilized because they received
little or no research attention and development; even
though they can play crucial roles in the food
security, nutrition, and income generation to the
rural poor. It is on this premise that the ARCN is
partnering with the Centre for Food Technology and
Research (CEFTER) in Benue State University,
nd
Makurdi in the planned 2 Edition of the West and
Central Africa Post-Harvest Congress and
Exhibition slated for NICON-LUXURY Hotel,
th nd
Abuja from 28 November to 2 December, 2022.
The congress and exhibition with the Central
Planning Committee chaired by Professor Garba
Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN is
generally aimed at opening an effective roadmap for
the actualization of Upscaling and Promotion of
African Indigenous Foods for inclusion into food
system. These will no doubt provide enormous
benefits for food security, livelihood of our farmers
and significant medicinal values that had been
neglectedresearch-wise.
The Theme of the Congress and Exhibition is
“Upscaling and Promotion of African's Indigenous
Foods (AIF) to Global Standard through Effective
Research in Production, Processing, Storage,
Nutrition, Food Safety and Utilization. The Sub-
themes of the Congress and Exhibition includes:
Challenges and opportunities in the production of
African Indigenous foods; Storage and packaging
technologies for African indigenous foods; Bring
African Indigenous foods to the global table using
innovative processing approaches; Strengthening
the medicinal and nutritional benefits of African
indigenous foods to promote public health; Safety
and quality standard issues in promoting African
indigenous foods; and the role of market information
system in promoting the utilization of African
indigenousfoods.
The participants which will be drawn from relevant
stakeholdersintheentirewestandcentralAfricaare
expected to demonstrate their expertise for the
developmentofedge-cuttingresearchthatwould
@ArcnAbuja

NEWS
13
open effective road-map for the actualisation to
upscale and promote African Indigenous Foods for
inclusion into food systems.The Council had
already mandated every NARI/FCA to key into this
venture to identify and sample at least threeAfrican
Indigenous Foods within your agro-ecological zone
and determine their nutritional composition,
accessibility, utilization, and economic value and
develop researchable topics that can promote them
for inclusion to food system. These steps according
to Council's management would reduce hunger,
malnutrition and dietary challenges in line with the
President Muhammadu Buhari Administration and
Sustainable Development Goals. Accordingly, the
output of the collaboration is expected to Improve
genetic composition, rapid propagation and yield of
African indigenous Foods; Improved post-harvest
handling techniques of these foods; Identification of
the medicinal benefits and other uses of these foods;
and also Develop effective advocacy in the
dissemination of various research outputs and
marketing the developed products nationally,
regionallyandglobally.
PROFESSOR GARBA HAMIDU SHARUBUTU mni APPOINTED CO-CHAIR FOR THE
TH
16 SYSTEM COUNCIL OF CONSULTATIVE GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (CGIAR)
Nigeria through the Executive Secretary, ARCN,
Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu is a voting
member of Sub-SaharanAfrica Constituency on the
System Council of Consultative Group of
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
Pursuant to Article 5.2 of the CGIAR System
Council, the Executive Secretary was appointed as
th
the Co-Chair for the 16 System Council meeting
th
heldon 20 July,2022.
have the necessary formal authorities. The System
Board Chair set out a planned way forward for the
innovative proposal titled 'Accelerating Crop
Improvement Through Genome Editing',
highlighting the important research questions
proposed in the proposal, and the independent
counsel received from the externally moderated
review of its contents. There was recognition that
learning was important, for CGIAR as it moves to
Participants at the one-day intercessional virtual of
Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research were drawn from different parts of the
globe including Australia, Germany & Belgium,
Canada, East Asia & Pacific, European
Commission, Japan, Latin America and Caribbean,
Mexico, The Netherland, Norway, Sub-Sahara
Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of
Great Britain & Northern Ireland, United States,
West Asia & North Africa. Other participants were
African Development Bank, Bill & Melinda Gate
foundationandTheWorldBank,etc.
The aim of the meeting was to deliberate on a
profound global shift in the world's policies,
systems and practices that would address the
global food system and the evolving food price
crisis.
@ArcnAbuja
Chairman, (CGIAR) and Co-Chair
Prof Garba Hamidu Sharubutu
at the 16th System Council of CGIAR
Members of CGIAR during the 16th System
Council Meeting

NEWS
14
In his opening remark the Co-Chair of the meeting
Professor Garba, Hamidu Sharubutu, mni, a voting
member from the Sub-Saharan Africa constituency,
stated the need for a systemic and coordinated
approach that transcends any one commodity, region
or discipline – while recognizing that the impacts
and issues in each country were specific, as well as
interlinked. CGIAR's Managing Director, Research
Delivery & Impact (and EMT convener) and its
three Global Science Directors presented an
unequivocal reminder of the critical importance for
the world that CGIAR's response be united in the
face of unprecedented pressures on the food, land
and water systems. System Council members
expressed their appreciation for the high quality of
CGIAR data and analysis in supporting decision-
making in their own institutions, constituencies, and
global partnerships – underlining the vital need to
ensure that such standing capacity is built and
sustained in readiness for the next inevitable global
shock. The System Board Chair and the EMT gave a
comprehensive update on progress towards
operating as One CGIAR. Several System Council
members re-affirmed that the effective delivery of
the transition must remain a key focus – as an
enabler and not a substitute for deploying CGIAR's
global, regional, and local scientific capacity.
Emphasis was again made on ensuring the Global
Science Group Directors deliver the prospectus of
interconnected Initiatives and Impact Area
Platforms.
The following actions were agreed by the System
CouncilSC/M16/AP1
Intercessional engagement building on
deliberations during SC16 on CGIAR's response to
the global food crisis and on the transition to One
CGIAR, theSystemCouncilnotedthat:
i. A proposal will be prepared, by end-September
2022, or earlier if possible, for System Council
review and input on a possible financing mechanism
to enable additional contributions to support
CGIAR's response totheglobalfood crisis;
ii.An ad-hoc System Council call will be scheduled
in September 2022 to provide the opportunity for
more in-depth exploration of and input to CGIAR's
integrated matrix structure.Taking forward research
th
from the 6 Genetic Innovation Initiative The
Executive Management Team will prepare and
share with the System Council, by the end of
September 2022, or earlier if possible, a
memorandum setting out the planned approach to
ensuring that research on “Accelerating Crop
Improvement Through Genome Editing” can be
taken forward on an interim basis through
appropriate funding arrangements and under the
overall management of CGIAR's Global Science
Group Directors
ARCN PARTICIPATES AT THE WEST AFRICA AGROFAIR 2022
ARCN Stand at the West Africa AGROFAIR 2022 With Staff Attending To Stakeholders
@ArcnAbuja

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NEWS
The Agro-fair 2022 with the theme “Promoting
Sustainable Economic Development Through
Mechanized Agriculture” took place at the Abuja
Trade and Convention Centre, km 8, Airport Road,
th th
Abuja from 27 – 29 July, 2022. It was jointly
organized byAFRINEX WestAfrica Limited, Abuja
Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ACCI), All
Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), TATA
International (The Exclusive Dealer of John Deere in
Nigeria) in collaboration with Abuja Trade Centre
(ATC), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development (FMARD) and other private and
public sector organizations. According to the
chairman Organizing Committee of the West Africa
Agrofair 2022, Dr Johnson S.Anene, the main focus
of the event was to promote agriculture as an
alternative to crude oil in the nation's revenue
generation as well as provide the farmers with a
platformforwealthcreation.
The event which was well attended was graced with
the presence of two serving Ministers of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria in the persons of Dr Mohammad
Mahmood Abubakar (the Hon. Minister, Federal
Ministry ofAgriculture and Rural Development) and
Hon. Mohammed Musa Bello (Hon. Minister,
Federal Capital Territory) ably represented by Hon.
Agboola Dabiri, FCT Secretary for Economic
Planning and Revenue Generation. Also, the
Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and
Innovation, Dr (Sen.) A. Olorunnimbe Mamora was
not physically present but sent in his goodwill
message.
The Hon. Minister FMARD, Dr Mohammed
Mohmood Abubakar in his keynote address
commended the organizers of the event and while
emphasizing the need for mechanization of
agriculture to ensure food security, job creation and
economic growth called for greater cooperation
between the private sector and the government. He
later led other dignitaries, participants and visitors to
inspect the exhibition booths before taking his leave.
Apart from exhibitions, the event also featured a
plenary segment where presentations were made
and discussions held by various participants to give
insight into modern trends in agriculture as well as
global agricultural markets with opportunities for
long term business partnerships. ARCN exhibited
some published materials obtained from research
institutes as well as some extension bulletins,
newsletters and journals published by the Council.
Those who visited the ARCN boot and registered
theirnameswere givensome extensionbulletinsthat
could help them to solve some agricultural
productionor processingproblems.
NIGERIA AS THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF CASSAVA HAS LOST
OUT IN EXPLOITING THE GLOBAL MARKET'- Prof. Sharubutu
Executive Secretary, Prof G.H. Sharubutu mni, (2nd right), making presentation
for O I C member States in Doha , Qatar.
This statement was attributed to the Executive
Secretary ARCN, Prof. Garba, Hamidu Sharubutu
mni presentation at the Forum for Development of
Strategic Agricultural Commodities in the IOC
th th
Member States in Doha (Qatar) on 14 -16
February, 2022. Presenting his paper titled,
'Exploiting Global Markets for Cassava.
Problems, Challenges and Solution', Sharubutu
highlighted the importance of cassava as being one
of the world's carbohydrate and calorie crops. He
gave the annual global production to the tune of
302. 6 million tons in 2020, the average yield to 10.7
tonnesperhectarein2020 andthatcassava
@ArcnAbuja

16
NEWS
production rose globally to 5.7% between 2016-
2020. He further stated that Nigeria was the largest
producer of cassava in the world with an estimate of
60 million metric tonnes production in 2020 and
production rates grown to 3% per year over the last
10 years (FAO 2020,2021). Cassava is a food
security crop in Nigeria, industrial demand account
for a small fraction of total cassava output mainly
high-quality cassava ﬂour (HGCF) and starch. Up to
the 90's there were no commercial involvement in
cassavaproduction.
He used a map and table to demonstrate Nigerian
growing belt and her cassava production, areas and
yields from 2011–2022. He noted that between 2004
and 2005, Nigeria lost its cassava value due to the
glut. Nevertheless, the ES enumerated the problems
militating cassava production in Nigeria to include
and not limited to value addition to the products,
processing facilities, qualities control, storage,
transportation to the points of export (inland water
ways, rails road networks and high local
consumption).
He further stated the challenges of cassava sectors in
Nigeria as Fluctuating prices of roots; High cost of
land clearing; Unavailability of mechanized
equipment for cassava cultivation; Unavailability
of improved planting materials; Inadequate security
in the rural areas; High cost of energy (diesel) for
processing in the absence of stable electricity; Poor
road infrastructure; Custom and other Agencies
bottleneck at the port; Multiple standard
organization limiting local production; Low
adoption of improved technologies; and Inability to
meet standard despite the problems and challenges
listedabove,
Prof Sharubutu (9th right, second raw) with the O I C member States in Doha, Qatar.
Sharubutu presented various intervention strategies
Nigerian government has applied to boost cassava
productiongrowthinthecountrywhichincludes:
1.Presidential initiatives for root and tuber expansion
program (RETAP) which began in 2004 with the
followingobjectives
a. To ensure the availability of timely and high-quality
cassavainputsandplantingmaterialsforusebyfarmers
b.Stimulates domestic production and multiplication of
improved cassava planting materials for cultivation
across5geopoliticalzonesin Nigeria
c. Promote adoption and the use of improved production
andprocessingtechnologies.
d. Establishment of rural cottage processing centres in
collaborationwithStates
e. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders to achieve the
objectivesandgoalsoftheactivitiesinthevaluechain.
2. Presidential initiatives led to the implementation of the
certainpoliciesas
I.Policy on mandatory substitutions of 10%wheat
four with high quality cassava ﬂour in the baking
industriestoreducehugewheatimportbill
ii.Promotion of cassava bread and other recopies
fromcassava
iii. Policy on lending of 10% Ethanol in fuel. The
Nigerian government as part of commitment to the
2000 Kyotaagreement
iv. Private investment in processing of cassava
productswereencouraged
@ArcnAbuja

17
NEWS
v. The policy targets China for export of cassava
flour and starch though there is glut in China
which led to the wastage of most cassava
produced.
3.Institutional frame work for development of
cassava value chain such as Financial and
Regulatory Institutions includes Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN); Bank of Agriculture (BOA);
Nigerian Export Import bank (NEXIM); Bank of
Industry (BOI); Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Agencies of Nigeria; Nigerian
Export Promotion Council (NEPC); Nigerian
Investment Promotion Council (NIPC); and
StandardOrganizationofNigeria(SON);
4.ResearchforDevelopmentfor cassava
5.Improved cassava varieties developed and
released
6.New technologies were developed by NSPIR and
NCAM
7.Private sector involvement in cassava processing
inNigeria
8.Upgradingof cassavaprocessinginNigeria
However, the Executive Secretary mentioned some
of the desired areas of intervention in Nigeria such as
Private and Foreign direct investment in the sector;
Intervention for Research and capacity building;
laboratory Equipment; Gene bank and Tissue
Quality control facilities; Assisting the government
in fighting insurgency; and Youth Culture
development facilities; empowerment in some of
theareasexperiencingconflicts.
He then named the targeted markets which include
Countries within the continents of Africa (Togo,
Benin, Niger Republic, etc.), Asia (China, etc) and
UnitedStates.
The Nigerian Stored Produce Research Institute
th
(NSPRI) Ilorin onThursday 11 ofAugust, 2022 was
awarded a certificate of Accreditation by the
Nigerian National Accreditation System (NiNAS).
Receiving the certificate on behalf of the Institute,
the Hon. Minister of State, for Agriculture Alh.
Mustapha Baba Shehuri, commended the Executive
Secretary, ARCN for effectively coordinating the
activities of Research Institutes and Federal Colleges
of Agriculture under the Council's purview and
further appreciates the Executive Director, NSPRI
for herefforttowardsachievingthiscertification.
Represented by the Director of Agricultural Lands
and Climate Change Services Engr. Shehu Tijjani
Bello, the Hon. Minister further reiterated the fact
that post-harvest losses are something that calls for
concern in order to ensure food security while also
acknowledging that poor management of farm
producecouldbecolossalifnotproperlymanaged.
The Executive Secretary, Professor Garba Hamidu
Sharubutu mni in his response applauded NSPRI
management for coming out tops in the entire
process which according to him, is a thing of honour
to have considered the Hon Minister of State more
qualified to receive the award on behalf of the
Institute.
In her speech, the Executive Director NSPRI, Dr
Patricia Pessu expressed delight and gratitude for
coming to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development to receive the award, stating that the
certification will bring about credible and acceptable
results as well as contribute to food safety and quality
inNigeriaandbeyond.
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE RECEIVED CERTIFICATE OF AWARD FOR NIGERIAN
STORED PRODUCT RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NSPRI) FROM NIGERIAN NATIONAL
ACCREDITATION SYSTEM (NiNAS)
@ArcnAbuja
Executive Secretary, ARCN Prof G. H. Sharubutu
consulting with the President of O I C in Doha , Qatar.

18
Prof Garba Hamidu Sharubutu,
mni, the Executive Secretary of
the Agricultural Research
Council of Nigeria. A specialist
in Infectious Diseases of
Livestock and veterinary
legislation. A Native of Kwande,
Qua'an – Pan Local Government
Area of Plateau State, Garba
Sharubutu was born on June 19,
1961. Hamidu Sharubutu
obtained a Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine (D.V.M) degree from
Ahmadu Bello University
(A.B.U), Zaria in 1986; a
Masters of Veterinary Science
(M.V.Sc) degree from University
of Ibadan in 1992; and a Ph.D.
from Usman Dan Fodiyo
University Sokoto in 2002.
Prof. Sharubutu began his public
service career in the Federal
Livestock Department that same
year (1987), subsequently joining
the services of Usmanu Dan
Fodiyo University as Assistant
Lecturer in 1991 and rose to the
rank of a Professor in 2005. He
h e l d n u m e r o u s p o s i t i o n s
including Complex Co-ordinator
of City Campus Complex of the
University; Chairman, ASUU
UDUS branch; Dean Faculty of
Veterinary medicine; and
Chairman of many sensitive
UniversityCommittees.
He has earned numerous awards
including the Presidential
National Youth Service Corp
(NYSC) Honours in 1987 and
nurtured many talents across the
agricultural research sector. A
seasoned professional, he is no
n o v i c e i n t h e a c a d e m i c ,
administrative and managerial
sphere,andheiswellpublished.
Prior to his appointment as the
th
Executive Secretary on 16 April,
2020, he acted in that position
between September 2019 – April,
2020. Prof. Sharubutu has also
held several positions in the public
sector including: National
President, Nigerian Veterinary
Medical Association (2005 -
2009); President of Veterinary
Council of Nigeria (2013 - 2017);
Provost, Federal College of
Animal Health and Production
Technology, Vom (2014 - 2018).
An alumni of the National
Institute for Policy and Strategic
Studies, where he also served as
the Monitor General of SEC 35,
2013.
WHO IS PROFESSOR SHARUBUTU mni
Vision of ARCN
Mission of ARCN
To reduce poverty and increase food security
by contributing to the establishment of
substainable agricultural growth and
development in Nigeria.
To achieve significant improvement in
agricultural productivity, marketing &
competitiveness by generating
appropriate technologies and policy
options, promoting innovation,
establishing a knowledge management
capacity and strengthening the
agricultural research system
Editorial Crew
Nuhu Yusuf
Head of Department
Knowledge Management and Communication
Chairman/Editor
Asst. Editors
Jemimah R. Shelleng
Asst. Director Information
Stella. C. Nwokocha
Principal Information Officer
Graphics
Paul Iyaji
Asst. Chief Programmer
Correspondences
Knowledge Management -Nodal Officers
Editorial Consultant
Prof. Bello Zaki Abubakar
Director, Agric Extension & Socio-Economics
attached to Departments and ES - Office
A
A
AR
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RC
C
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EWSLETTER
EWSLETTER
EWSLETTER
Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni
Executive Secretary ARCN
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19
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th th
On the 12 and 13 of October 2022, the Senate
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
and the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges
and Institutions visited Agricultural Research
Council of Nigeria (ARCN) concurrently, for an
oversight task as part of their statutory exercises to
ascertain whether the budgeted funds releases by the
Federal Government were adequately utilized. The
two Committees of the National Assembly
conducted the activities concurrently at the Council's
AuditoriumandBoardroom,respectively.
The various Committees were led by the Chairmen,
Distinguished Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi
north senatorial district) and Hon. Munir Babba
Dan'agundi (Kano State), respectively.The members
of the delegation comprised Senator Ibrahim
Abdullahi Danbaba (Sokoto south senatorial
district), Sen.Adenegba Francis (Osun east sen. dist)
Sen. Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi central sen. dist) Sen.
Chukwuma Frank Ibezim (Imo north Sen. dist) Sam
Egwu Ebonyi north sen. dist) Adamu Muhamed
Bukachir ( Bauchi north sen. dist.) Sen. and Sen. (Dr)
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, (Niger north sen. dist),
Senator Ishaka Agbo, (Adamawa north sen. dist.)
Hon. Burka Ganaka, Deputy Chairman (Borno
State), Hon. Rimande shawul (Taraba State), Hon.
Shehu Ahmed (Zamfara State), Hon. Dr. Henry
Ajibo (Akwa-ibom State), Shehu Garba, Sarkin
Noma (kaduna state), Hon. Ajili Zoro (Ife
Constiuency), Hon. Julius (Delta State) and Hon.
Mike Taba (Cross River State). Others present
include: the invited Chief Executive Officers of the
various Institutions and Agencies under the purview
of Federal Ministry Agriculture as well as ARCN
ManagementStaff.
According to the respective Committee Chairmen,
the visit to Council, NARIs and FCAs viaARCN was
aimed at confirming whether the 2020/2021
budgeted funds were released and adequately
utilized by the Institutions and Agencies. Thereafter
observations, comments and questions would be
askedby theCommittees.
In his presentation, the Executive Secretary Prof.
Garba Hamidu Sharubutu mni, welcomed the
visitors to the Council and then briefly highlighted
the achievements and projects that were
implemented 2020/2021 capital releases. He cited
the completed projects/programmes such as
strengthening of Agricultural Research Outreach
Centres and Adopted Villages (AROCs) Nation-
wide projects, establishment of new AROC centres
in the South-East, North Central and South-South
regions where such were obviously absent in the
past, conducting of training of personnel especially
women,youthandphysicallychallengedinvarious
constituencies,ImprovedCoordinationof National
OVERSIGHT FUNCTION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT AND THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND
INSTITUTIONS TO ARCN HEADQUATERS, MABUSHI
Chairman (center) and Members of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Allied Institutions
During Oversight Function to ARCN
@ArcnAbuja

20
“......today’s research is tomorrow’s wealth”
Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria, Agricultural Research House
Plot 223D Cadastral Zone B6, Mabushi P.M.B. 5026, Wuse - Abuja
info@arcn.gov.ng www.arcn.gov.ng
E-mail: Website:
Agricultural Research System (NARS). He also
made mention of the Council's consistent and
sustainable publication of ARCN Journals of
AppliedAgricultural Research since 2019 as well as
the already made application of indexing of the
Journal to attain international standard, the
establishment of ARCN Museum, Radio/TV
Stations under the communication system projects,
the National e-library and documentation centre
project with over 1000 e-book on its portal, the on-
going construction of the approved 5 storey
Administrative Building and the provision of
competitive Agricultural Research Grant Schemes
(CARGS), to mention but a few. He however,
emphasized on the challenges of the Council which
centred on inadequate budgetary allocation for
capacity building, monitoring and evaluation from
the2022 approvedbudgetappropriation.
At the end of the Executive Secretary's presentation,
observations, questions and comments were raised
by the Committees which include institutional
reform and the need for manpower development
within the NARS, as well as advised the Council to
develop its capacity to equal the Agricultural
Research Institutes and Colleges for improved
coordination.
Similarly, the Chief Executives of the following
Institutions; NAIC, NASC, NVM, BOA, NAQS,
NISS-Abuja, FUAZ, NCRI-Badeggi, IAR-Zaria,
NIFFR- New Bussa, NCAM-Ilorin, NSPRI-Ilorin,
FCFFT-New Bussa, FCFFT-Baga, NAPIR-Zaria,
NAERLS-Zaria, FCAPT-Kano, FCAHPT-Vom,
LCRI-Maiduguri and FECOLART-Kuru, made brief
presentations on the 2020/2021 budget
performances, achievements and project. They also
entertained some questions respectively. The
Committee members were taken round the Council
for inspection of both the completed and on-going
projects.
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EWSLETTER
EWSLETTER
EWSLETTER
Cross Section of Distinguish Chairman (center) and Members of Senate Committee on Agriculture
and Rural Development
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