Nigeria's Chief Extension Officer Owalabi Elabanjo Retires After 28 Years

News in brief:

-Chief Extension Officer Owalabi Elabanjo is retiring after nearly three decades of service to agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.

-He is widely credited with strengthening extension services, food security programmes, and farmer engagement nationwide.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has honoured Mr Owalabi Oluwuatoyin Elabanjo, popularly known as Labi, at a special appreciation ceremony marking his retirement after 28 years of unbroken service to agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.

The ceremony, held on Saturday evening, was hosted by Honourable Algernon Watts, Member of Parliament for St. George, and brought together government officials, development partners, farmers, colleagues, family members, and friends to celebrate the career of a man widely regarded as a pillar of the Agricultural Extension Division.

Early Life and Entry into Agriculture

Born on 24 January 1961 in Nigeria to Popolapa and Abike Elabanjo, Mr Elabanjo received his early education at Mayflower Primary and Secondary Boarding School before earning a Diploma in Agriculture from Lagos College.

He began his professional career as an Extension Officer in Nigeria before migrating to Antigua and Barbuda. In 1997, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture as an Extension Officer, marking the start of a long and impactful public service journey.

Champion of Food Security and Farmer Support

Over the years, Mr Elabanjo distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for “grow local, buy local”, food and nutrition security, the Zero Hunger Challenge, and the expansion of the Backyard Garden Programme.

His work strengthened both practical and theoretical agricultural training across districts, reinforcing the critical link between extension services and farmers at the grassroots level.

Regional and International Contributions

Elabanjo served on numerous agricultural advisory boards and committees at the local, regional, and international levels, including the Central Marketing Corporation Board, FAO-supported initiatives, World Food Day programmes, and the Commonwealth of Learning Agricultural Programme, which he chaired locally.

He also represented Antigua and Barbuda at major regional events such as the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, as well as at international agricultural forums worldwide.

Academic Growth and Leadership Role

Committed to continuous learning, Mr Elabanjo earned an MSc in Food Science from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

In March 2020, he was promoted to Chief Extension Officer, a position he has held with distinction and will formally relinquish upon his active retirement on 25 January 2026.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, he worked closely with farmers, backyard gardeners, agro-processors, the African diaspora, the Halo Foundation, Chinese agricultural experts, the Embassy of China, and colleagues across ministries and institutions.

A devoted Muslim, he also serves as President of the Islamic Association in Antigua and Barbuda, promoting unity, service, and peace—values he often summarises with his personal mantra: “Let there be peace.”

Tributes and Reflections on a Lasting Legacy

Tributes during the ceremony came from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, representatives of the Government of China and the Longping Agricultural Experts, farmers, development partners including IICA, members of the African diaspora, extension staff, and colleagues.

The programme featured presentations, open-floor reflections, a family response delivered virtually by his brother Kunle Elabanjo, and a celebratory dinner.

Retirement as a New Chapter

After 28 years of dedicated service to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Government, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Elabanjo has made it clear that retirement marks not an end, but a transition.

He says he remains committed to sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for agriculture, ensuring his impact continues well beyond formal public service.