The Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Prof. Veronica Obatolu was on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, conferred with the prestigious Transparency Africa Honor, as well as a corruption-free certificate. The award which was given by the Transparency Africa organization at the Institute was well attended by dignitaries and staff of the institute.

The delegates of Transparency Africa organization led by the Programme Coordinator, Ambassador David Christopher said the recipient of the award, Prof. Obatolu has been searched and found to be transparent in every of her dealings. According to him, "corruption has been a major bane to development in Africa, as such, it's right that such phenomenon is curbed, hence, our organization has set out to independently investigate highly profiled personalities across public and private sectors and anyone found exonerated of corrupt practices are conferred the biggest honor of Transparency Africa. This we believe, will encourage and promote good deeds of transparent, true and modest people," he stated.

Amb. Christopher went further to explain how the Director's profile has been investigated by the organization right from her youthful days in Ahmadu Bello University till she became the Executive Director of IAR&T in 2019. He assured that the organization is convinced of her good track record of corruption-free activities.

He added that despite the alarming rate of corrupt practices in Nigeria, some individuals have been distinct, plain and pure in their dealings in their respective positions and the case of Prof Obatolu is not different as they have found her worthy and deserving for the biggest Transparency Africa Honor.

While intimating the audience of the aim of Transparency Africa which is to see that the continent, is free of corruption across all sectors, the Amb Christopher appealed to all to be an inspiration and hope for the coming generations.

The epic moment of the occasion was the presentation of the certificate for the Transparency Africa Honor and the corruption-free to the Executive Director, Prof Veronica Obatolu.

In her remarks, the Executive Director, Prof. Veronica Obatolu appreciated the organization. "I am very thankful for this honour. I am receiving this award based on WHO I AM, not the position I'm holding and you (Transparency Africa) referencing my days in ABU has really proven that you did your homework well. I am really challenged and overwhelmed because I have seen that every honesty will someday be rewarded." She described the award as an amazement which she said will spur her to do more because "I know it is what we need to grow Africa. We need a transparent Africa that is accounted for.

In his remark, Prof. L. B. Taiwo appreciated the team for the award, describing the Director as someone who is sincere, straightforward and pure in her ways; and therefore so deserving of such award.

Prof. Oluwatosin described her as a very sincere, blunt and open-minded individual.

Prof. B. O. Lawal said the Director is a good mentor, woman of excellence and a wonderful friend.

The Deputy Registrar/Secretary to the Institute, Mr. 'Deboye Popoola, said the awardee is an amazing person, courageous, bold, kind, motivator.

Prof. Omole while congratulating the awardee, said she possess the qualities of straightforwardness and truthfulness.

Dr. E. O. Farinde said she's really grateful to the team for honoring the Director. She added that the Director is a very transparent person, strict but with love and sincere in her dealings.

Prof. Owolade appreciated the team and claimed that the Director is highly committed to good projects.

The Deputy Director, Dr. Adetumbi also offered his words describing her as very free and open with everything.

The Deputy Bursar, Mr. Fadipe reiterated her hardworking spirit and that being a custodian of Institute's finance, he is always at peace working with Prof Obatolu, because she will never create problems for him.

Recall that CEOAFRICA has reported several unprecedented achievements of Professor Veronica Obatolu as the Executive Director of IAR&T.

Prof. Obatolu is an exceptionally proficient Research Scientist with over 30 years of experience in food and nutrition research was recognized internationally for her immense contributions to humanity and for how she has lifted many out of poverty through various trainings, teachings and workshops at the institute.

The erudite Professor has gained recognition in her work and has received international honours such as; US National Marine Fisheries Services Post-Doctoral Award and Phi Tau Sigma Award, Department of food science and Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono, USA amongst others.

The mother of 3 is a member of a multi-national research hub on food security within the UN-habitat Partnership Universities Initiative and a 2011 mentor of African Women in Agricultural Research and development (AWARD) of the CGIAR.

Prof. Obatolu is a member of the International Nutrition Society, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), the Nutrition Society (UK), and Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA).

With over 50 publications in several reputable international peers reviewed learned journals such as Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, The International Journal of Applied and Basic Nutrition Science, Journal of Biological Sciences, Journal of food and Agriculture and many others.

She is presently the first female Executive Director and CEO of IAR&T, Ibadan of its over 50years of establishment.