By Yakubu Dati
Over the past months, the country has witnessed a steady decline in prices of staple food. For a country where it is believed that once the price of a commodity goes up, then it cannot be reversed, Nigerians couldn’t believe their eyes to see that the prices of grains, vegetables, and other food items came crashing down in the last few weeks. From the North to the South, it has been tales of pleasant surprises, as people go to the market and realize that they don’t have to cough up what they were grudgingly paying to eat with members of their families, as the prices of beans, gari, onions, and others have come down.
What many are yet to realize, even in their shock, is that this did not happen by chance but as a result of decisive government action and unwavering policy implementation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Tinubu administration had promised that Nigerians would soon begin to enjoy the benefits of the reforms, but none knew it would be this soon. This particular remarkable occurrence, it must be pointed out, is a product of a combination of strategies, including the scientific research led by Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
Prof. Sharubutu is quietly implementing several initiatives to enhance agricultural research and development in Nigeria in order to enhance food security. On assumption of duty in 2019, taking cognizance of the fact that a citizen’s happiness and productivity lie in how well they’re fed, Prof. Sharubutu got into action by initiating organisational reforms at ARCN to address capacity depletion and leadership disputes. He established various committees, including a Staff Audit Committee and a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, to realign the council’s operations with its mandate.
A grassroots mobiliser, Prof. Sharubutu, who served as the Deputy Director in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), availed his philanthropic and grassroots appeal to the campaign, and through him, the needed reach to the rural population was attained. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, he laid a formidable framework for research by infusing ARCN with the needed personnel through the recruitment of 1,650 new scientists to bolster agricultural research efforts aimed at enhancing food security in Nigeria.
Recognizing the importance of effective information dissemination, Prof. Sharubutu oversaw the launch of ARCN’s dedicated radio and television platforms. These channels aim to deliver agricultural technologies and information directly to rural farmers and facilitate improved farming practices. This alumni of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) brought stakeholders to validate a Baseline/Needs Assessment Study of 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture across the country under one roof!
He also collaborated with NADF to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and constraints within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem with a view to addressing the myriad of challenges in the sector. To further deepen cross-fertilisation of ideas, this professor of infectious diseases brought experts and farmers together at the National Agricultural Research Extension Summit to brainstorm on the theme, ‘Sustainable Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Nigeria: The Role of Digital Technology.’
In recognition of his sterling performance, he gained international recognition with his appointment to the Board of Trustees of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), representing the Federal Government of Nigeria. This role has enhanced collaboration between ARCN and international agricultural research organisations while promoting the adoption of innovative technologies to improve food security across Africa.
Under his leadership, ARCN has actively engaged in policy discussions to transform agricultural research and training. In January 2024, the federal government announced reforms for ARCN and its affiliated institutions, focusing on capacity building and aligning research efforts with national agricultural goals. Through these initiatives, this prof-farmer is significantly contributing to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research framework, aiming to achieve food security and sustainable agricultural development.
With these strides, the ARCN has been reinvigorated to deepen the Renewed Hope Agenda by mainstreaming workable, scientifically proven modules to ensure fair pricing, enhanced food distribution, and increased agricultural productivity so that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
His provision of solar lights and boreholes and empowerment bears testimony to his philanthropy, community service, and political relevance in his native community in Plateau State, where he brings governance to tangible benefits. His commitment continues to endear the administration to the masses.
Prominent stakeholders bear testimony to his grassroots appeal including RT Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, the former Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly and Hon John Dafa’an, his Representatives at the National Assembly amongst several.
No doubt, Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, MNI, FCVSN, FASN, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, remains a shining star of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Yakubudati@gmail.com is a former Plateau State Commissioner.
