Bioluwatife Akinyemi, Author at Tribune Online

Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has condemned what it described as longstanding systemic exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta...

Heads of State Energy Summit, Tinubu to undertake state visit, Tinubu’s foreign trips and diplomatic relationships, Tinubu returns to Abuja after two-week leave

Tinubu’s foreign trips and diplomatic relationships in 2024

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

January 3, 2025

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AMIDST consistent calls for the reduction in the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu, having spent 580 days in office,...

Amofin Beulah Adeoye joins PDP ahead of 2027

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 24, 2024

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Amofin Beulah Adeoye officially joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State....

Bridging global tech talent: Kenneth Malaka’s vision reshapes remote recruitment

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 23, 2024

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Kenneth Malaka, the founder of Analogue Shifts, has revealed how his tech recruitment firm is revolutionising the global talent landscape,...

Minister of agriculture and food security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), has contributed majorly the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in its 60 years of establishment. Senator Kyari made this known at the opening ceremony of the 60th anniversary of the institution, which held on Monday, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Speaking at the event, Kyari, who was represented by the Zonal Director of the ministry, Olayinka Akeredolu, suggested that the institute harness technological transformation in its researches, in order to boost industrialisation. According to her, “It is noteworthy that 60 years of existence is no mean achievement in the life of an institution, especially one whose contribution to numerous tree crops like cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee and tea is evidently felt across the length and breadth of our country and beyond. Since its inception in 1964, CRIN has been a major player in contributing to the GDP of our nation. “As the institute takes stock of 60 years of scientific research and looks to an even brighter future, it is our desire that the institute will harness the transformative power of technology to improve on research outcome delivery to the industries who rely on your great institutes research outcome for sectoral growth and development.” Highlight of the event is award presentation, book launch, exhibition and cultural display, among many others. In his welcome address, the Director/CEO, CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, who highlighted the achievements of the institute in the production of cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee, and tea, in the past six decades, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading agricultural innovation, leveraging science and technology, and improving the livelihoods of farmers nationwide and readiness to embark on research into black plum. He said: “At CRIN, our research has transcended traditional crop development, venturing into innovative value addition. Our Institute has added value to cocoa and created new products for local consumption and export. We have processed cocoa beans into various products such as chocolate, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, cocoa wine, choco-bread, cocoa custard, soy-chocolate, chocolate spread, chocolate yoghurt, amongst others. Also, we have converted cocoa by-products into valuable products. We have successfully produced poultry feed from cocoa pod husk with 20% maize replacement. These innovations have provided additional income streams for farmers, supported small and medium enterprises, and contributed to the nation's economic diversifications. “The forward-looking, stylistically innovative works and aggressive developmental fund drive of the Institute has yielded a huge chunk of dividend as the Institute partners with stakeholders to win grants and awards, with a keenly contested $22million award as an example.” He, therefore, pledged that “CRIN will continue to lead the charge in agricultural innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of farmers nationwide. I am confident that the legacy we have built over the past 60 years will serve as a strong foundation for even greater achievements in the decades to come.” The guest lecturer, Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Adebooye, who was represented by the Director, Centre for Predegree Studies, Professor Onyegbula Nwoke, presented a paper titled, ‘Tree crops research for development: Key to Nigeria's economic diversification and sustainability’. In his lecture, Professor Adebooye, explored how tree crops research can drive economic diversification, reduce dependency on oil, and promote food security, positioning it as a panacea to Nigeria's economic challenges and a step forward in the quest for sustainable development. According to him, “Cocoa, cashew and kolanut are important tree crops that can bring huge economic benefits to the country. However, the country has witnessed a steady decline in the yield of these crops and in the quantity produced annually. “In a nation with a large population and increasing rates of food insecurity, leveraging tree crops could provide a more resilient economic foundation, supporting both urban and rural communities. This strategy aligns with the government's agenda to diversify the economy and reduce poverty. By advancing cultivation techniques, improving crop varieties, managing pests, and addressing the effects of climate change, tree crops research serves as a cornerstone of agricultural innovation and sustainability.” Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Simeon Oyeleye, charged the leadership of CRIN with the task of establishing a robust relationship with the chairmen of the local governments the institute is represented in order to facilitate cooperation with farmers. Present at the event are Directors-General of research institutes, past directors of CRIN, representatives of partners and sustainability companies, academics, government representatives and traditional rulers.

CRIN has contributed majorly to national GDP in 60 years — Agric Minister

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 9, 2024

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The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has revealed that the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)...

We won’t disappoint you, APC PDP INEC set for Saturday poll Edo poll APC supporters storm INEC office Group tasks INEC, Edo guber PVCs, ONYC condemns attacks

ONYC condemns attacks on INEC

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 6, 2024

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has strongly condemned recent attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by “self-serving...

Deputy Senate President commended for leadership in tax reform

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 5, 2024

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The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has commended Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for his exemplary leadership in halting...

Niger Delta group warns against undermining electoral institutions

by Bioluwatife Akinyemi

December 5, 2024

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The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has warned against attempts to undermine Nigeria's electoral institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral...