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2 days ago
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Business
September 3, 2025 by Our Reporter
• From left: Head, Special Projects Management Office, Origin Tech Group Nigeria, Gabriel Okwuofu; Former Dean, Agric (OAU), Prof. Akinloye Farinde; Senior Industry Advisor, Mr. Kunle Olorode; Prince Samuel; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo S. Bamire; Deputy, Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu; Dean, Faculty of Agric, Prof. Olufemi Ajayi, all of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Dr (Mrs.) Bosede Bamire, during their visit to Origin Tech Group Nigeria.
The Executive Chairman, Origin Tech Group Nigeria, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, has urged Nigerians to align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of agricultural revolution as outlined in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme (GHAPP).
He described agriculture as a catalyst for unlocking Nigeria’s vast economic potential.
Samuel spoke while receiving members of the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, at the corporate headquarters of Origin Tech Group. The meeting was part of ongoing discussions on building a robust partnership between the institution and the organisation.
“Agriculture is key to Nigeria’s growth potential in driving the nation’s economic development,” Samuel stated.
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He explained that the agricultural value chain offers “an opportunity that can easily transform Nigeria’s economy into an engine room of prosperity through partnerships, strategic investment, strong governance, and sustainable practices.” He stressed that tertiary institutions such as OAU have a pivotal role to play in this process.
Highlighting the opportunities in large-scale farming, Samuel said: “The 21st century has opened new vistas for economic growth, and with agriculture now in its ascendancy, commercial large-scale farming and its value chain stand out as the most promising tool for economic enhancement. Large-scale agriculture represents the sustainable use of innovation, mechanisation, irrigation, and water resources, alongside market reorganisation, job creation, and improved livelihoods.
Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit immensely.”
He also noted the country’s rising demographic pressures: “The Nigerian population continues to grow at nearly three per cent per annum with projections of 378 million by 2050. Nearly 70 per cent of this population is under the age of 30, which drives increasing urbanisation and, invariably, higher food demand. Ensuring food security requires a value chain that connects rural and urban areas to meet this demand. Hence, the role of stakeholders—including institutions like OAU in generating ideas, producing skilled manpower, and boosting capacity—is crucial in addressing this food challenge.”
In his response, Prof. Bamire, commended Prince Samuel and Origin Tech Group for their innovative approach to solving societal challenges, particularly in food systems transformation.
He noted that returning to agriculture remains the most viable solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges. Bamire expressed enthusiasm about the projects being executed by Origin Tech Group and affirmed that partnering with such an organisation would be highly beneficial.
“With the abundant technical skills, access to resources and long-standing experience in the agriculture sector, Origin Tech Group will provide the right impetus for the future industry leaders we are currently training,” Bamire said.
He thanked the Chairman and management of the company for their willingness to collaborate and pledged his full commitment, along with his team, to ensure the success of the partnership.
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