Ibadan, Nigeria, 15 March 2022 – The IITA Women’s Group organized a scholarship award ceremony with the theme, “Youth Empowerment through Education”, to celebrate and recognize 12 children of staff who emerged winners of the 2021 scholarship award out of the 74 students who participated in the scholarship interview which was held on Oct. 30, 2021, at the institute’s headquarters, Ibadan, Nigeria.

The scholarship interviews and awards were also organized in 5 other locations including; the Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Uganda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.

4 out of 7 students who participated in the interview in Cotonou emerged winners, 5 out of 6 from Cameroon, 2 out of 4, from Malawi, 1 from Uganda, and 10 out of 42 from Kalambo.

The IITA Women’s Group scholarship interview and award are annual events organized by the Group for children and dependents of staff of the institute.

Head of the scholarship committee and wife of the Director-General of IITA, Mrs. Charlotte Sanginga, and Mrs. Jumoke Amole, Acting Chairperson of the group, in their opening remarks welcomed everyone to the ceremony and gave a brief about the establishment of the IITA women’s group and an overview of the award.

Speaking at the event, IITA Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Lade Oke who represented the management team of the institute, acknowledged the group’s contributions towards the improvement of the quality of life of IITA staff and their dependents.

The first lady of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde, represented by Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on World Bank intervention and Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Diaspora Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi expressed her delight about the women’s group for providing an environment for women, and nursing mothers to thrive and achieve their career goals despite the challenges of life.

Also in attendance were; Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services, Hilde Koper, Deputy Director-General, Partnerships for Delivery, Dr. Kenton Dashiell, members of the IITA Women’s Group, parents of the awardees, awardees, and representatives from RAISING GIRLS’ AMBITION, RAGA, and the media (both internal and external).

Contributed by 𝐃𝐚𝐣𝐢𝐞 𝐎𝐝𝐨𝐤