The Nigerian Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (NIFAAS) has taken a significant step towards strengthening agricultural extension services across Nigeria by inaugurating six zonal coordinators to represent the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones. The inauguration ceremony held virtually on August 6, 2025, brought together key stakeholders in agricultural research and extension, signaling a new phase of administrative decentralization and strategic alignment within the association.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Fadullah Olayiwola Issa, President of NIFAAS, described the inauguration as the fulfillment of a long-anticipated goal since the association’s establishment in 2011. “The appointment of zonal coordinators is central to our repositioning strategy to enhance administrative efficiency, inclusivity, and a dynamic membership drive,” he stated.
Dr Issa further emphasized that the new structure would improve coordination within Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones, ensure closer grassroots engagement, and allow for more responsive, inclusive, and timely agricultural advisory services. “By institutionalizing zonal leadership, NIFAAS is better poised to address the needs of women, youth, and marginalized groups; strengthening our capacity to drive sustainable agricultural transformation,” he added. He charged the newly appointed coordinators to lead with dedication, collaboration, and integrity, recognizing their roles as pivotal to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Executive Director of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), Dr Lilian Lihasi in her goodwill message, stated that the inauguration of zonal coordinators marks a bold and strategic move towards deepening the reach and impact of agricultural extension in Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones. “AFAAS stands in full support of this visionary step and remains committed to walking alongside NIFAAS in its effort to transform Agricultural advisory services in Nigeria”, she said. The AFAAS Executive Director further wished the appointed zonal coordinators success in their leadership, and encouraged them to serve with passion, collaboration and purpose.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Tunji Arokoyo, the Pioneer President of NIFAAS, praised the current leadership for actualizing a structure long envisioned by past administrations. “This is a landmark achievement. While previous attempts to establish zonal leadership faced hurdles, the present leadership has succeeded. I urge the zonal coordinators to see this as a call to service,” he said.
Prof. Arokoyo also encouraged the leadership to maintain a strong working relationship with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), reaffirming his continued support for NIFAAS’ growth and global alignment.
The inaugurated zonal coordinators and their respective regions are:
- Babagana Buba – North-Central Zone
- Prof. Yunusa Abubakar – North-East Zone
- Musa Usman – North-West Zone
- Dr. Rachel N. Nwakwasi – South-East Zone
- Prof. Jemimah T. Ekanem – South-South Zone
- Prof. Ajoke Oyegbami – South-West Zone
Also commending the development, Prof. Emmanuel Tologbonse, the Immediate Past President of NIFAAS, congratulated Dr Issa for translating the vision of previous administrations into reality. He encouraged the zonal coordinators to work diligently towards fulfilling their mandates.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr Lilian Lihasi, Executive Director of AFAAS; Modibbo Coulibay, President of the Mali Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services; Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, AFAAS Board Member; and Prof. Nkiru Meludu, President of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON), Mrs A. O. Toju-Tubi, the Programme Manager of Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, among other prominent NIFAAS members.
Founded in 2011, NIFAAS serves as a national platform for agricultural extension and advisory service providers. Its mission is to develop and promote a responsive and well-coordinated advisory system with the capacity to support value chain actors, enhance food security, and improve rural livelihoods across Nigeria in a sustainable, inclusive, and gender-sensitive manner.
