On Tuesday, 4th of April 2023, a delegate of AFAAS and NIFAAS paid a courtesy call to the new Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE), Mr Michael Asebake Brooks in Abuja. It was a momentous occasion to feel his warmth disposition, calmness and compassion rapt in high expectations that a partner in progress is in seat.

The major purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Director on his appointment and to intimate him with the state of things regarding Nigeria’s hosting of AAEW in November 2023.

The delegation of AFAAS/NIFAAS was led by Prof. Dele Tologbonse, the President and Country Focal Person of NIFAAS. Prof Tunji Arokoyo, a member of BoT of AFAAS was also present. Others were Prof. M.K. Yahaya, NIFAAS Public Relation Advisor, and Dr F. O. Issa, the Vice President (North).

In his presentation, the NIFAAS President gave details of the antecedent on the hosting rights giving to Nigeria, the need to speed up all other activities, including the signing of a tripartite MoU by AFAAS, FMARD and NIFAAS, and setting up a national secretariat for AAEW at the FDAE. The President also urged the Director to ensure that the existing draft extension policy does not remain stagnant.

Thereafter, the delegation presented to the Director a signed congratulatory letter.

Prof Arokoyo also encouraged the Director to ensure that he build upon past achievements to move extension forward in Nigeria; while Prof. Yahaya commended him for his openness; he observed that the Director’s professional qualities have heightened AFAAS/NIFAAS resolve to support and collaborate more with the Department.

In his response, the Director expressed his delight and thanked the delegation for the courtesy call and assured them that he will support all AFAAS/ NIFAAS activities. He then promised to facilitate all activities towards the successful hosting of the 2023 AAEW in Abuja.

Members of the FDAE present were: Mr A. O. Olawunmi (DD-TIAS), Ahmed A. Kojg (AD, G&Y), Christiana J. Malgwi (AD FES), David Merayekutu (CAO Ext), Eugene Anokwe, and Adekunle M. Okunaya (DD e-Ext).

In the closing remarks, Mr A. O. Olawunmi (Deputy Director-TIAS) thanked the AFAAS /NIFAAS delegation for the active role in the establishment of the Department. He called on both parties to double their efforts towards achieving more successes in the Nigerian agricultural sphere.