The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training on Wednesday, unveiled the Mid-Term Score Card of the Executive Director, Professor Veronica Adeoti and also inducted new staff of the institute.

The Executive Director, while giving the welcome address, assured members of the staff, most especially the new staff that her administration places importance on every role played by members of the institute, no matter their position.

Prof. Obatolu said, “But one thing is sure, a sweeper, a security person and someone that is a farm attendant, is as important as a professor because we all have a unique service that we render to the Institute.

“Without your own participation, it is not possible for the institute to grow. So, everyone, no matter what role you find yourself, we are equally important” she added.

The event, which was graced by principal members of the institute, also had in attendance the Provost Federal College of Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs) Elizatheth Oluwakemi Augustus, ably represented by the Deputy Provost, Engr Dr A O Adeniran and the guest speaker, State Controller, Oyo State Labour Office, Mr Clement M Fatoki, who spoke on the topic “Labour Union: A Key to Improved Performance”.

Speaking on Prof. Obatolu’s performance so far, Fatoki said; “Madam I congratulate you, for what you have been able to do within the first 45 minutes of your 90 minutes, and i also pray for you as you go to the dressing room to come back for the second half, I pray God will be with you”.

On the topic of the day, he said; “Ordinarily the way it is designed, labour unions are supposed to be partners with the management to attain the same goals; you know I said it earlier that no one does it alone, it is a collective responsibility”.

Fatoki further added that labour leaders will be appreciated for the success they are able to bring to the union and not for how many strikes they were able to hold.

He went on to congratulate the new staff for getting to be a part of the system “because if madam could start from where she started and made it to the point of becoming the executive director, that means there is hope in the system, that means we can also aspire to get to that level, ...so I advise you to give it your best”, he said.

The Deputy Director of the institute, Dr Jelili Olaide, while expressing satisfaction at the turn out of the programme, said that it was a strategy aimed to promote peace and harmony in order for the institute to be able to achieve its mandate.

He said; “So I am happy, first of all at the turnout and the responses of the audience which includes our staff, the existing staff and new staff.” He further assured the staff that this is just a tip of the iceberg and that the administration would continue to engage with the staff in many ways.

Rev. Babatope J. David, the Registrar of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, while appreciating Prof. Obatolu for her outstanding personality, congratulated her for the work done and said he enjoyed the programme.

                                                                                                                                                                   The Deputy Registrar, Mr Adeboye Popoola on his part, said that the event was epoch making because it was the first time in all his years in IAR&T that the administration would be giving a mid-term scorecard.

The new employees were also very impressed with the event with a new staff at the administration office, Adebusola Janet saying that she was inspired by the achievements of the Executive Director, Prof. Obatolu and that this has increased her determination to be diligent in everything she does.