Ex-Ogun Agric Commissioner, Odedina, Celebrates 35 Years in Service, Vows to Sustain Energy Till Retirement
Dr Samson Adeola Odedina, the former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, today marks a significant milestone of significant milestone today, celebrating 35 years of dedicated service to agricultural development and education in Nigeria with a vow to maintain his high energy levels until his retirement in the years to come.
Contrary to a retirement celebration, the event highlights Dr Odedina’s enduring commitment, as he remains an active and impactful servant within the federal government and the international agricultural community.
Dr Odedina’s remarkable journey began on September 20, 1990, when he was formally enrolled on the services of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FCAA), immediately after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at the same institution. This began a unique career path deeply intertwined with the college’s legacy.
Reflecting on his career, Dr Odedina highlighted the extraordinary arc of his professional life, noting that he “schooled, served NYSC, worked, and became the Provost of the same institution.”
His appointment as the substantive Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, in 2015 was a historic moment, making him the first alumnus to hold the position since the college’s establishment in 1967.
During his tenure as Provost, he was instrumental in driving transformative projects that significantly elevated the institution’s profile. Key achievements he oversaw include:
· The transformation of the Arable Crops building into a world-class training centre funded through innovative non-budgetary means.
· The establishment of an International Training Centre, a Guest House, an Agro-shop, and a Clinic.
· Significant infrastructural upgrades including road networks and power systems.
· The introduction of new academic programs contributed to a substantial boost in student enrollment.
· Securing multiple international collaborations for the college.
These landmark achievements garnered formal commendations from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Odedina thanked God for the “strength, energy, and good health” that enabled him to directly impact over 300,000 individuals through Agricultural Technology and Enterprises training. Many of his trainees have since ascended to leadership positions within national and global agriculture and food systems.
Looking ahead to his remaining years of service, Dr Odedina reaffirmed his commitment to national development. “This is not a farewell but a reaffirmation of my vow to serve with unwavering energy and passion until the day I retire. I am committed to contributing even more to our nation’s agricultural sector,” he stated.
He also mentioned his intention to expand his hobbies, integrating fun and joy into his ongoing work and service to the nation.
