NSPRI Kicks Off Landmark Technical Review and Productivity Awards in Ilorin
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) had its much-anticipated two-day In-House Technical Review Meeting and Productivity Awards at its headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State on the 18th and 19th of March, 2025. The theme for this gathering, “Consulting E-Oracle for Sustainable Post-Harvest Management,” unites top researchers, stakeholders, and practitioners in post-harvest management to explore innovative solutions for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“During his welcome address, NSPRI’s Executive Director, Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, commended the institute’s researchers for their dedication to developing sustainable postharvest solutions. He emphasized the vital importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration in boosting Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
“The opening ceremony featured an engaging keynote lecture by Engr. Prof. Abdulganyi Raji from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Ibadan. Prof. Raji shed light on the transformative power of digital innovations, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in reducing postharvest losses and improving food storage systems. He pointed out how technology can reshape agricultural storage, cut down on food waste, and strengthens national food security.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Sharubutu, stressed the importance of research institutions and agricultural colleges in turning research findings into practical applications. He urged NSPRI to fully embrace its processing role to help cut down on post-harvest losses across the country. Prof. Sharubutu also introduced some exciting initiatives from ARCN, like the Nigeria Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital tool aimed at getting vital agricultural information into the hands of farmers. In a noteworthy announcement, he shared plans for an Agricultural Internship Programme designed to equip young agricultural professionals with the skills they need to thrive in the industry.
“The event featured encouraging messages from notable attendees, including Engr. Abdul J. M., the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo M. Sule from the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), and Dr. Adama Christiana from the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM). They praised NSPRI’s dedication to post-harvest research and highlighted the importance of collaboration among various institutions to advance agriculture in Nigeria.
A standout moment of the event was the Productivity Awards, which will honor exceptional contributions in research, innovation, and service delivery within NSPRI. These awards aim to inspire researchers and teams to pursue excellence in post-harvest technology. The gathering reinforced NSPRI’s commitment to leveraging technology and expertise to improve postharvest management and ensure food security. As the two-day event unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful about implementing e-oracle-driven solutions to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural storage systems. The opening session wrapped up with a renewed call for stronger partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to transform research breakthroughs into practical solutions for the agricultural sector.
