Ex-Ogun Agric Commissioner, Odedina Celebrates 35 Years Of Transformative Career In Agricultural Services
By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji
ABEOKUTA – A former commissioner for agriculture in Ogun state, Dr. Samson Adeola Odedina has celebrated his 35years of dedicated service to agricultural development and education in Nigeria with a vow to maintain this years to come.
Dr. Odedina began his journey on September 20, 1990, when he was formally enrolled on the services of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, in Ondo state immediately after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at the same institution.
His appointment as the substantive provost of the institution in 2015 made him the first alumnus to hold the position since the establishment of the institution in 1967.
During his tenure as the provost, he was instrumental for driving transformative projects that significantly improved the institution profile, some of which include the establishment of international training centre, a guest house, an agro shop, a clinic, road construction as well as securing multiple international collaboration amongst other achievements which in turn garnered further commendations from the then Honourable Minister for Agriculture, and Minister of State for Agriculture.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Odedina thanked God for work done, strength, energy, and good health that enabled him to directly impact about 300,000 individuals through agricultural technology and enterprise training.
In a Facebook post sighted by THE ENCOUNTER NEWS, Odedina said, “September 20, 2025, marks exactly 35 years since I commenced my exciting working career with the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (formerly Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, School of Agriculture Akure).
“I was enrolled into the services of the college on September 20, 1990, immediately after completing my one-year NYSC in the same college, which started in 1989. Fast forward to 2015, I was appointed as the substantive Provost of the Institution – the first alumnus to hold this position since the college’s establishment in 1967. In essence, I schooled, served NYSC, worked, and became the Provost of the same institution.
“As Provost, we achieved significant milestones, including transforming the Arable Crops (Edu) building into a world-class training centre with innovative non-budgetary funds, establishing an International Training Centre, Guest House, Agro shop, Clinic, Roads, Power, new courses, boosting student enrollment, and securing multiple international collaborations. These and others caught the attention of the then Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Minister of State for Agriculture, who both issued letters of commendation.
“I am grateful for the strength, energy, and good health that have enabled me to serve over 300,000 individuals in Agricultural Technology and Enterprises training. Many have gone on to occupy leadership and strategic positions in national and global agriculture and food systems.
“Thank you, God, for these 35 years of service! I look forward to the remaining years of service as I expand my hobbies and continue to integrate fun and joy into work and service.”
