The Third International Conference of the Nigeria Plant Breeders Association (NPBA) opened today in Abuja with strong calls for innovation in crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and food security as Africa grapples with rising population pressures and climate change.
The high-profile event, chaired by Prof. Mohammad F. Ishiyaku, Chairman of the NPBA Board of Trustees, brought together policymakers, scientists, research institutions, and international partners under the theme “Crop Improvement for Food Security, Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Environment.”
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who declared the conference open, underscored the Federal Government’s policy thrust to strengthen food systems.
In his welcome address, Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Regional Director for Continental Africa at CGIAR, emphasized the urgency of deploying cutting-edge plant breeding and biotechnology to boost productivity across the continent.
NPBA President, Prof. Chiedozie Egesi, who also serves as Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), called for stronger collaboration between research institutions, government, and the private sector to ensure that Nigeria remains a leader in agricultural innovation.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Prof. Michael Abberton, Director of the IITA West Africa Hub and Head of the Genetic Resources Centre, spotlighted the need to harness plant genetic diversity and cutting-edge breeding technologies to tackle the challenges of food insecurity, land degradation, and climate change.
The ceremony also featured a series of award presentations. Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on distinguished scientists including Dr. (Mrs.) Christy Onyebuchukwu Okwuagwu, Dr. Clement Dele Ataga, Prof. Michael Abberton, Dr. Sunday Aladele, Prof. Peter Iwunor Okocha, and Prof. Emmanuel Kwon-Dung.
In addition, a roster of leading academics and researchers were inducted as Fellows of the NPBA, recognizing their outstanding contributions to crop science.
The ceremony also included the presentation of Students’ Travel Grant Awards sponsored by Value Seeds, reflecting the association’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of plant breeders.
With participants drawn from Nigerian universities, international research centers, and the private sector, the conference promises to chart a new course for plant breeding research and innovation in Africa.
