On 21 January, IITA officially assumed leadership of the Soy Agronomy Center of Excellence, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing soybean production in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. The transition was formalized during a visit by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) team to IITA headquarters, where they ceremoniously handed over the baton of leadership to the institute.
The USSEC delegation was warmly received by IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Kenton Dashiell, and other key officials. During the meeting, representatives from both organizations shared insights on their respective contributions to the growth and sustainability of soybean cultivation across the region.
The USSEC team underscored handover’s importance, emphasizing that the transition aligns with U.S. regulations. A USSEC representative presented Dashiell with a formal handover letter and the curriculum for the Soy Agronomy Center of Excellence, symbolizing the institute’s new role in driving the initiative forward.
Dashiell expressed enthusiasm and optimism and reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to maximizing the program’s impact. He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between IITA and USSEC, ensuring that the partnership fosters new opportunities for both organizations.
As part of their ongoing support, USSEC pledged to facilitate connections with major private sector stakeholders, including West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), OLAM, and Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), who have greatly benefited from the program. USSEC will leverage its annual conference and exhibition, scheduled for June 2025, as a platform to enhance these linkages.
Dashiell advised that IITA’s Business Incubation Platform (BIP) should actively participate in the upcoming USSEC conference. He specifically recommended showcasing Soy Agronomy training and NoduMax, a biofertilizer developed by IITA, at the exhibition booth. This strategic engagement aims to attract key private sector players, encouraging them to enroll in the training program and integrate NoduMax into their soybean outgrower networks.
Wrapping up the meeting, USSEC reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its influence within the soybean value chain to support IITA’s success in leading the Soy Agronomy Center of Excellence. Meanwhile, IITA, represented by BIP Head of Administration and Corporate Governance, Wole Oladokun, will oversee the seamless execution of the Soy Big Players Connect Platform, ensuring greater efficiency and value creation across the soybean industry.
The meeting concluded with both institutions shared commitment to elevating their partnership, fostering long-term success and impactful advancements in soybean agronomy.
Contributed by
Recent stories