Bayelsa State Governor visits IITA, express commitment to youth and agricultural development

IITA–CGIAR welcomed Bayelsa State’s Executive Governor, His Excellency Douye Diri, to its headquarters in Ibadan on 14 April. Despite a busy political engagement in Oyo State, the Governor prioritized the visit to IITA—reflecting his strong interest in youth empowerment and agricultural transformation.

Governor Diri was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado; Bayelsa State Party Chairman, Solomon Agwana; General Manager of the Housing and Property Development Authority, Tonye Isenah; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia; Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah; the Governor’s Liaison Officer in Oyo State, Olasupo Abiodun; and Chief Adekunle Tanwa, also from Oyo State.

The Governor and his team were welcomed with a screening of IITA’s introductory video, which showcased the Institute’s cutting-edge technologies, innovative research, success stories across Africa, and a testimonial from a beneficiary of the IITA Youth in Agribusiness program. After the presentation, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Kenton Dashiell, warmly welcomed the Governor and his entourage.

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