The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) on Friday, November 7, 2025, held a grand send-forth ceremony in honour of its outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola, celebrating his transformative leadership, visionary reforms and outstanding contributions to agricultural research in Nigeria.
The well-attended event, which took place at Grandmaridos Hotel, Akala Way, Ibadan, drew directors of the institute, management staff, research scientists, corps members, friends, well-wishers and other dignitaries.
Prominent personalities at the ceremony included the Acting Executive Director, Dr. Rasheed Adedeji, represented by Dr. Samuel Ibiremo; Dr. Amos Famaye; Dr. Samuel Orisajo; Dr. Ipinmoroti; Dr. Moses Ogunlade; Engr. Bakare; and Dr. (Mrs.) Lawal, among others.
Delivering the opening remark on behalf of the Acting Executive Director, Dr. Ibiremo thanked God for Dr. Adebola’s life and leadership, describing his five-year tenure as impactful and unifying.
“I thank God for the life of our immediate past ED. Five years isn’t a small thing in the life of a man. He started a journey and he ended it well,” he said.
He acknowledged that leadership comes with challenges, noting that disagreements or misunderstandings do not diminish a leader’s value. “Even though there could be error and misunderstanding, nobody is perfect. He might have said something you don’t like, but he is only human. We should not devalue ourselves by dwelling on the negative,” he stated.
Dr. Ibiremo said Dr. Adebola’s tenure broke long-standing divisions. “He brought peace to CRIN; he broke the wall of division and war between us. We appreciate him for the time he spent with us.”
A major highlight was the launch of a 48-page book titled “Dr. Patrick Adebola: A Phenomenal, Quintessential and Visionary Leader.” The book, chronicling his five-year achievements, was reviewed by Dr. S. B. Orisajo, Chairman of the Planning Committee, and officially launched by Dr. S. O. Ibiremo on behalf of the Acting Executive Director.
The occasion also featured cutting of cake, toast to his honour, cultural dance presentation, presentation of gifts, and several goodwill messages.
In his response, Dr. Adebola expressed gratitude to God and reflected on the challenges he met upon assuming office. “I came to CRIN when it was in serious turbulence. The rest is history, before one can succeed as a leader, you must forget the past,” he said.
He shared how he sought advice from past Executive Directors, recalling an important counsel from Prof. Iremiren: “He advised me not to come with thoughts of revenge. He said I should forget what happened in the past. That word helped me navigate the stormy waters of CRIN.”
He encouraged the Acting ED to stay focused and ignore rumours. “Rumour will always spread in every organization. Focus on international collaborations. My proposals are already being approved, including a 3-million-dollar project.”
Dr. Adebola noted that he intentionally limited attendance at the event due to the recent tragic loss of a major CRIN director. He added: “I am still part of CRIN. Many of the proposals I wrote will keep coming in one by one because I have the progress of CRIN at heart.”
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Dr. Samuel Orisajo, Director, Research Outreach described the outgoing ED saying “Dr. Patrick Adebola is a phenomenal, quintessential and dynamic visionary leader,” he said.
He praised Adebola for transforming CRIN’s image: “CRIN was known for crisis, but since his inception, he brought peace. He completed major projects—perimeter fencing, central lab, road works, beautified the library, and upgraded Admin block.”
He added that Adebola boosted partnerships and international visibility. “He changed the narrative. Grants are now being approved. It is an enduring legacy.”
Afolayan James, Corps Member serving at CRIN shared his sentiments “He is the first ED to approve transport fare for corps members and pay incentives to 40 of us. He has impacted our lives in a positive way.”
Mr. Ikuforiji Emmanuel, Head of Internal Audit, described Adebola as exceptional. “To maintain peace in CRIN is no joke. His leadership made us believe in possibility. Hosting RIGAN during our 60th anniversary showed the capacity of CRIN.”
Additionally, Mr. Tunde Akintoye, Retiree at CRIN and Friend said “Olu, as we fondly call him, is hardworking and faithful. He didn’t disappoint us. He put smiles on the faces of staff.”
Dr. Olufemi Samuel Ibiremo, Director, Research Operations said Adebola’s tenure set new standards.“His attention to detail is second to none. He rewrote the bad narrative of CRIN. He set a benchmark; no ED will want to do less.”
In a closing chat, the celebrant, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola expressed deep satisfaction. “I feel great that I left CRIN better than I met it. When I came, there was internal wrangling, low research output, poor finances, and low staff morale. I built a strong team and gradually solved the problems.”
He said he is returning to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to lead a cocoa project. “A tenure has only ended; I have not retired.”
The joyous ceremony ended with dancing, laughter, photographs, sumptuous meals, drinks, and heartfelt farewells—befitting of a man many described as a peace-maker, reformer, and bridge-builder.
With tributes flowing from colleagues, friends, and mentees, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola was celebrated as a leader whose legacy in CRIN will continue to inspire unity, progress, and excellence.
