The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Wednesday inaugurated the Sectoral Industry Advisory Board (SIAB) of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), appointing Chairperson of Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) International Group, Hajiya Dr Salamatu Garba, as Chair of the Board.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor said the calibre of professionals appointed would significantly enhance the Centre’s capacity to advance food security in Nigeria.
He prayed for divine guidance for members as they assume what he described as a strategic and demanding responsibility.
He also congratulated WOFAN, the CDA, and the University on the successful launch of the SIBLING Project.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the distribution of rice palliatives to 2,617 junior staff members, describing the intervention as timely and impactful. He added that the University was deeply grateful for the support.
Earlier, Director of the Centre, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, introduced members of the Board and explained that the SIAB had been reconstituted to provide stronger industry-driven guidance and strategic oversight.
He noted that the Board comprises 12 members, including seven external and five internal members carefully selected for their expertise.
Speaking on behalf of members, Board Chairperson, Dr Salamatu Garba, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to supporting the Centre’s mandate.
She described the appointment as both a privilege and a challenge, stressing the need for teamwork and collaboration.
“As the only female on the Board, the responsibility is even greater, but I seek the cooperation and guidance of my colleagues to help move this University to greater heights beyond our imagination,” she said.
External members of the Board include Alhaji Nasiru Wada, Magajin Garin Kano and Managing Director of Esoterra Investment Ltd; Alhaji Ali Safiyanu Madugu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dala Foods Nigeria Limited; Mohammed Salasi Kibiya, Country Representative of IFDC; Alhaji Yusuf Ado Kibiya, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Chimande Nigeria Limited; Dr Donald Madukwe of OCP; and Abubakar Garba Ibrahim of SILVEX International Limited.
Internal members include Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed; the immediate past Director, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin; Deputy Director (Training), Professor Murtala Mohammad Badamasi; Deputy Director (Research), Dr Mustapha Mohammed Bello; and Deputy Director (Outreach and Publication), Dr Amina Lawan Mustapha.
Following the inauguration, the Board held its maiden meeting at the Centre, where members deliberated on strategies for sustaining the Centre beyond the expiration of World Bank funding.