{"id":17905,"date":"2026-06-20T13:00:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/dss-to-strengthen-collaboration-with-iita-in-security-efforts\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:56:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:56:03","slug":"dss-to-strengthen-collaboration-with-iita-in-security-efforts","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/dss-to-strengthen-collaboration-with-iita-in-security-efforts\/","title":{"rendered":"DSS to strengthen collaboration with IITA in security efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><figure id=\"attachment_32100\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32100\" style=\"width: 820px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32100 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/iita.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Representatives-of-IITA-and-Oyo-State.jpg\" alt=\"Representatives of IITA and Oyo State DSS having a meeting. \" width=\"820\" height=\"411\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32100\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Representatives of IITA and Oyo State DSS having a meeting.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">As part of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">IITA<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2019s commitment to improving food and nutrition security on the continent, the institute also ensures strengthening collaboration with government agencies and policy makers, this is to create an enabling environment for seamless activities with key stakeholders in host communities and countries. On 13 November, a delegation from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.gov.ng\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Oyo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> paid a courtesy visit to IITA headquarters. Leading the DSS delegation, Command Principal Steven Oyinlola explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening ties and fostering collaboration.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">IITA Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/iita-staff\/koper-hilde\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hilde Koper<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, receiving the team gave an overview of IITA\u2019s operations along with a video presentation, during which she revealed that security is a critical component of IITA\u2019s corporate services. Koper expressed appreciation for the agency\u2019s support, and said the institute welcomes ways to further strengthen the relationship.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Representing IITA\u2019s Head of Security, Security Superintendent, James Adedayo outlined key security challenges faced by the institute, particularly the issue of poaching, which undermines IITA\u2019s wildlife conservation efforts. He commended the DSS for their instrumental role in addressing security concerns, including assisting in recovering encroached land and providing escort services when required. \u201cIITA is grateful for the assistance and looks forward to continuing this fruitful partnership,\u201d Adedayo stated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Koper echoed this view by thanking the DSS for their contributions to maintaining safety at IITA.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><figure id=\"attachment_32101\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32101\" style=\"width: 820px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32101 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/iita.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/appreciation-gift-to-IITA.jpg\" alt=\"Head of DSS Command, Rasheed Adelakun, presenting an appreciation gift to IITA through IITA Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Hilde Koper.\" width=\"820\" height=\"411\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32101\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Head of DSS Command, Rasheed Adelakun, presenting an appreciation gift to IITA through IITA Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Hilde Koper.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The State Director of Security <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">DSS Oyo State Command, Rasheed Adelakun, highlighted the purpose of their visit, which focused on appreciation and advocacy. He acknowledged IITA\u2019s support for the agency\u2019s initiatives and its contributions to human capital development, food security, and the overall reduction of societal vices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Adelakun appealed for IITA\u2019s continued efforts beyond agricultural research, urging the institute to further engage with smallholder farmers and expand its impact on community welfare. \u201cIITA\u2019s research significantly boosts food and environmental security. If there are additional areas where IITA can assist, please do not hesitate,\u201d he added.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In response, Koper shared some of IITA\u2019s broader initiatives, including establishing a healthcare center for the local community staffed by three doctors and stocked with essential medications. She also reaffirmed IITA\u2019s commitment to collaborating with the government to improve smallholder farming practices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The visit ended with the DSS delegation presenting IITA with an appreciation plaque, for their longstanding partnership and contributions to development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:256}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Contribu\u00e9 par Ochuwa Favour Daramola<\/span><\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As part of IITA\u2019s commitment to improving food and nutrition security on the continent, the institute also ensures strengthening collaboration with government agencies and policy makers.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":17906,"template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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