Oba Ogunwusi honours IITA boss Sanginga, wife Charlotte

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has honoured the Director-General of International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Nteranya Sanginga with the chieftaincy title of Aare Afurugbin-Ola of the Source.

Sanginga’s wife Charlotte was also honoured with the title of Yeye Afurugbin-Ola of the Source.

The investiture held on Saturday at the palace of the king in Ile-Ife with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance.

Obasanjo said that the honours were in recognition of the director-general’s passion for the development of agriculture in Africa.

He urged Sanginga to see the honour as a challenge to do more for the continent.

Obasanjo, who is an IITA Ambassador, commended Oba Ogunwusi for the choice of Sanginga and his wife for the chieftaincy titles, saying that they were both worthy of the honour.

“I commend Your Imperial Majesty for the bold step taken to honour this distinguished African who has dedicated his life to agriculture, food security and nutrition in Africa.

“I want to assure you these new chiefs will not disappoint you; that they will not disappoint Ife indigenes and the entire Yoruba race.

“I know and I am sure that they will live up to the honour that you have bestowed on them,” he said.

Oba Ogunwusi appreciated the IITA director-general’s passion for agricultural development in Africa.

According to him, in spite of the balkanisation of Africa by the Europeans, Africans will continue to remain one and indivisible.

“I’m impressed with your modest achievements as a true son of Africa. You have been doing all within your capacity to ensure food sufficiency in the continent.

“All through the years, you have developed passion for agriculture and the results are feasible everywhere,” the traditional ruler said.

Sanginga applauded Ooni for the fatherly role he had been playing, not only in Yoruba land, but all over the country.

He also commended Oba Ogunwusi for counting his and his wife worthy of the honour.

Other dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Osun, Mr Benedict Alabi, former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State and Secretary to Osun Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji.

Others were the Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade, members of staff of IITA and a host of other prominent individuals.