IITA DG retires after 11 years, claiming Nigerians are the most hospitable people in Africa

Dr Nteranya Sarginga, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, has described Nigerians as the most hospitable people in Africa.

He spoke as he prepares to step down as director of Africa’s largest agricultural research institute after 11 years in charge.

Sarginga, the institute’s first African leader, is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

He was a student researcher before becoming the first African DG in 2011.

While giving an account of his stewardship to a select group of reporters over the weekend, the outgoing CEO urged African leaders to invest more in agriculture to feed Africans and to lead in farm produce exportation to strengthen economies and create jobs.

Sarginga, who took over leadership in 2011, is well-known for his ‘people first’ policy, which saw the institute regain staff trust, allowing staff and other stakeholders to give their all to the institute.

The policy has assisted IITA in regaining its position as Africa’s leading agricultural research institute, attracting new grants and projects from around the world.

“When I became the 7th DG of IITA and began working on November 1, 2011, I used the People Strategy to inform the Business Strategy (IITA Refreshed Strategy 2012-2020) as the best approach to lead and develop the organization,” he said. Both strategies had to work together for the organization to fulfill its mission and mandate of transforming Africa’s agricultural agenda.

“Most employees at IITA and other organizations have inquired about my People Strategy.” My response has been that you will not find that in any annual report, nor in any internal IITA document. Nonetheless, we all agree that “people are the most valuable assets in any institution.” People strategy, in my opinion, is the link between business strategy and the implications for human resources. It provides answers to questions such as what we are good at, what capabilities we require, and when and where we require them. I spent a significant amount of time early in my administration seeking answers to such questions from all levels of IITA staff at headquarters and hubs.”

To his credit, IITA successfully launched the youth agripreneurship program, which provides opportunities for agricultural youth.

The program teaches youth to view agriculture as a business rather than a punishment. IITA trains them and provides them with resources to help them succeed in the agriculture business.

Some selected public secondary schools have been renovated and equipped with technology laboratories to help young farmers embrace technology.

Sarginga also formed alliances with local, national, and international stakeholders in order to promote agriculture, agribusiness, and financing.

Sarginga, who was installed as the Aare Afurugbin-ola of the Source by the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi last year, said he still has a lot of work to do in Nigeria, despite his expressed interest in returning to his birth country, DRC.

He praised the incredible hospitality he received in Nigeria, saying Nigerians are possibly the most hospitable people in Africa.