Professor Zacharia Buba Yaduma has restated his commitment to taking the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to greater heights as he marked his second year anniversary as the director-general of the institution.
Tuesday, April 1, made it two years since Professor Yaduma became the head of Nigeria’s oldest research institution, taking over from Professor Shola Adepoju who served an eight-year term as DG.
During a surprise event put together by management staff of FRIN on Tuesday, Professor Yaduma recounted his journey since he began leading the institute. He said that having been a student at the institute’s College of Forestry, there was no way he would return as DG and not ensure that FRIN improves in terms of manpower and infrastructure. He acknowledged divine assistance in dealing with various challenges that arose over the years and charged all management and staff to work for the progress of FRIN, headquartered in Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of provosts of the colleges of the institute, Dr Ibrahim Lawal, Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, said that he and his colleagues enjoyed a family atmosphere in relating with the DG. He added that the ‘open door’ policy that the DG operates has allowed for seamless operations in the six colleges of forestry located across the country.
Staff also testified about unhindered promotions and capacity building trainings that have been accelerated during Yaduma’s tenure.
Various testimonials were rendered from management staff and ‘friends of the house’ that included the chairman of the Akofa Idi-Ishin neighbourhood association, Adewale Adepoju.
He said that before Yaduma’s coming, the neighbourhood association had next to nothing to do with the institution. However, Yaduma’s administration saw the association forge a strong bond that has produced cooperation on security matters and patronage of FRIN’s products.
The event ended with a tree-planting exercise by the DG.
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