The 43rd Annual Conference of the Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), hosted at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has concluded with a powerful, unified directive: to transform horticulture from an academic discipline into Nigeria’s next major engine for youth-driven wealth and economic resilience.
Under the theme “Roles of Horticulture in Wealth Creation and Improved Livelihood in a Sustainable Economy,” the gathering served as a strategic workshop, moving decisively from discussion to implementation.
Setting the tone, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Abayomi Fasina, delivered a stark and motivating reality check. “The era of waiting for blue-collar jobs is over,” he declared. “Horticulture presents the most viable green-collar opportunity for our graduates. Our national endowment is not the issue; the need is for concerted advocacy and practical engagement to unlock this potential.”
This sentiment was echoed by HORTSON President, Professor Rufus Ipinmoroti, who praised FUOYE’s commitment to pioneering this agricultural shift.
The conference showcased a blueprint for the future, with FUOYE’s Faculty of Agriculture demonstrating a hands-on approach through active greenhouse projects, AI-assisted crop monitoring, and student-led agribusiness ventures. This practical model was presented as the new standard for agricultural education.
A key resolution was the urgent need for synergy. Dr. (Mrs.) Adetula from the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) called for fortified alliances between research bodies and universities to fast-track innovation from the lab to the field. “We have the research breakthroughs; partnerships like these ensure they reach our farmers and boost productivity,” she stated.
This collaborative spirit was reinforced by the Ekiti State Government, which outlined its agenda for farmland expansion and farmer training, emphasizing that government, academia, and private investors must unite to build a sustainable horticultural ecosystem.
In a powerful endorsement of this modern agricultural push, the conference honored eleven distinguished personalities as HORTSON Fellows, including Governor Biodun Oyebanji and FUOYE’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, for their contributions to the field.
The final message from Ikole Campus was clear and resolute: horticulture is no longer just about cultivation, but about building a sustainable and prosperous economy. With its innovative spirit and commitment to practical solutions, FUOYE has positioned itself at the forefront of nurturing this vital national transformation.
