The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) is set to honour its outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola, with a grand send-forth ceremony to celebrate his remarkable leadership, transformative vision, and lasting contributions to the institute and Nigeria’s agricultural research landscape.

The event, themed “Dr. Patrick Adebola: A Phenomenal, Quintessential and Visionary Leader,” will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Grandmaridos Hotel, Akala Way, Ibadan, commencing at 10:00a.m. prompt.

Dr. Adebola, who served as Executive Director of CRIN from 2020 to 2025, is being celebrated for steering the institute through a period of innovation, stability, and renewed relevance in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector. His leadership tenure witnessed groundbreaking developments in cocoa, kola, coffee, cashew, and tea research — the institute’s core mandate areas, as well as the expansion of research collaborations both locally and internationally.

Under his visionary leadership, CRIN strengthened its partnerships with national and international research bodies, improved farmers’ access to high-yield, disease-resistant crop varieties, and enhanced the institute’s research infrastructure. His administration also prioritized capacity building for staff, sustainable agricultural practices, and the revitalization of Nigeria’s cocoa sector — reaffirming the institute’s pivotal role in national economic development.

The send-forth ceremony will bring together dignitaries from academia, government, agricultural development agencies, industry stakeholders, staff, and associates of CRIN to celebrate a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on agricultural science and leadership.

Dr. Adebola’s colleagues and associates have described him as a “transformative administrator and exemplary leader” whose humility, foresight, and passion for research excellence have inspired a new era of productivity within the institute. Many have also praised his open-door policy and commitment to mentoring young scientists — a trait that has endeared him to both senior and junior staff alike.

The event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by excellence, dedication, and visionary leadership.

As Dr. Adebola bows out after five impactful years at the helm of CRIN, the institute and its stakeholders look forward to honouring a man who not only elevated the organization’s reputation but also strengthened the foundation for future scientific and agricultural breakthroughs.