President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi. The appointment takes immediate effect.
This strategic appointment is in line with President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing commitment to food security and agricultural development across Nigeria. The National Cereals Research Institute plays a pivotal role in enhancing cereal crop research and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices vital to the nation’s food system.
Reacting to the news, Prince Fagbemi expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him. He also thanked the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the state’s progress.
Speaking on behalf of his family and APC members in Kwara, Prince Fagbemi noted that the appointment reflects the federal government’s recognition of Kwara State’s consistent contributions to national development.
The appointment comes amid President Tinubu’s broader agenda to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria. Since assuming office, the president has declared a state of emergency on food security and launched several initiatives aimed at increasing local agricultural production, stabilizing food prices, and promoting year-round farming. Key measures include the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and support for local production of staple crops such as maize, rice, and wheat.
As Chairman of the NCRI Governing Council, Prince Fagbemi is expected to provide leadership that will drive research innovations and boost cereal production nationwide. His appointment underscores the administration’s resolve to harness capable leadership in advancing its agricultural reform agenda.
This development marks another significant step toward achieving national food self-sufficiency, economic growth, and job creation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.