By Stella Odueme
The 90th birthday lecture in honour of renowned agricultural engineer, , has spotlighted his enduring legacy while drawing attention to the critical role of innovation, mechanisation and agro-industrialisation in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The lecture, organised at , Osun State, was themed “Honouring the Nigerian Forerunner of Agricultural Engineering at 90: Legacy, Leadership and the Future of Agricultural Transformation.”
Speaking at the event, in a statement on Thursday,the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, , described Prof. Makanjuola as a pioneer whose innovations and mentorship helped shape Nigeria’s agricultural engineering profession.
“We celebrate an idea powerful enough to shape generations. We gather to salute a national pathfinder, pacesetter and trailblazer whose ideas helped engineer Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation journey,” Kyari said.
He noted that the professor’s groundbreaking work in food processing, agricultural machinery and post-harvest engineering, including inventions that earned three British patents, demonstrated that Nigerian researchers can develop globally competitive solutions.
The minister said the Federal Government, under the administration of President , is building on such a legacy by prioritising agricultural mechanisation and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme to achieve food sovereignty.
“Mechanisation is no longer optional. It is now an instrument of economic sovereignty,” adding that government policies are aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, expanding value addition and building a technology-driven agricultural economy.
Kyari also challenged young engineers to emulate Prof. Makanjuola’s example of innovation, leadership and service.
“Study Prof. Makanjuola as a model. He did not chase recognition. Recognition followed relevance. He did not inherit institutions. He built them,” the minister said.
He described the nonagenarian’s life as proof that lasting national development is driven by innovation, research and visionary leadership, urging the next generation of professionals to focus on creating solutions that will transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
