Science & Tech
THE Biotechnology Society of Nigeria has awarded Dr Sylvester Oikeh of African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) with its prestigious Champion Award for 2024.
The society said the award was to celebrate Oikeh’s outstanding contributions to food security and agricultural advancement in Africa with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years.
AAFT disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja by its Communication Officer, Mr Alex Abutu.
Abutu said Oikeh’s dedication to advancing agricultural biotechnology had made a substantial impact on food security across the continent.
He said Oikeh’s role at the AATF had driven transformative initiatives to combat food scarcity, enhance crop resilience, and support the livelihoods of countless African farmers.
“The champion award recognises Oikeh’s visionary approach to agricultural development and his unwavering commitment to sustainable solutions for Africa’s food security challenges.
“Joining AATF since 2009, he has led the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Project, now known as the TELA Maize Project, coordinating efforts across ten organisations in seven African countries.
“His work has facilitated widespread access to innovative agricultural practices that bolster crop resilience in the face of climate challenges.
“Oikeh’s impressive career also includes roles as a Principal Scientist and Project Leader at the Africa Rice Centre where he developed integrated soil fertility management packages and farmer resources to support the New Rice for Africa (NERICA).’’
Abutu said the awardee’s decade-long tenure at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and his postdoctoral research at Cornell University had further solidified his reputation as a leader in agricultural research.
He said that Oikeh’s work at Cornell University established a critical link between enhanced iron and zinc in maize and improved human nutrition using a model gut-system.
“Oikeh, a Nigerian national, has published over 90 articles, book chapters and monographs, contributing extensively to scientific literature on crop improvement and food security.
“The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria’s Champion Award acknowledges his tireless efforts and profound impact on African agriculture, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the field,” he said.(NAN)
21st November, 2024.
C.E
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