Kyari Hails Prof. Makanjuola’s Enduring Legacy In Agricultural Engineering

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has paid tribute to Nigeria’s foremost agricultural engineering pioneer, Professor Gabriel Ayodele Makanjuola, describing him as a visionary whose innovations continue to advance agricultural transformation and food security.

The Minister made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Prof. Gabriel Ayodele Makanjuola Lecture Series (GAMALS) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, marking the renowned scholar’s 90th birthday.

Speaking on the theme, “Honouring the Nigerian Forerunner of Agricultural Engineering at 90: Legacy, Leadership and the Future of Agricultural Transformation,” Senator Kyari said Professor Makanjuola’s pioneering work in agricultural mechanization, food processing and post-harvest engineering laid a solid foundation for the growth of agricultural engineering in Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate not just a man, but a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Professor Makanjuola did not wait for the future of agricultural engineering-he helped build it,” the Minister said. NISTER OF

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda places mechanization and agricultural innovation at the heart of efforts to boost productivity, strengthen food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods, citing the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme as a key intervention.

Senator Kyari also urged young engineers and researchers to uphold Professor Makanjuola’s legacy by developing practical, innovative solutions that will drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

The lecture brought together engineers, academics, policymakers, development partners and students to celebrate Professor Makanjuola’s enduring contributions to agricultural engineering in Nigeria.