By Nkechi Eze
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has officially welcomed its new Executive Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, who resumed duties on Monday, June 16, 2025, following a formal handing and taking-over ceremony held at the ARCN headquarters in Abuja.
Hon. Adamu Suleiman Kpaugati in an official signed statement disclosed that in his inaugural remarks, Dr. Dabban called for a collective and renewed effort by management, staff, and stakeholders to reposition the research sector as a central driver of agricultural transformation in Nigeria. Emphasizing collaboration, dedication, and professionalism, the new Executive Secretary charged the ARCN workforce to operate with integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
“This is a new ARCN, and a new hope for Nigeria’s food security,” he declared. He noted that his leadership would not be one of witch-hunting or retrospective probes, but of forward-thinking and strategic consolidation of the council’s existing achievements. “We are not here to fight anyone, but to build on what has already been done. I am here to add value, not to tear down,” he emphasized.
Dr. Dabban also issued a strong warning against the activities of sycophants and political jobbers, stating that his administration would not be influenced by praise-singing or flattery. Instead, he affirmed his commitment to merit, competence, and genuine contribution, urging staff to focus on delivering results that align with the broader national vision.
He further pledged his loyalty to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that agricultural research must play a more strategic role in achieving national food security, improving productivity, and empowering rural communities. He emphasized that ARCN under his leadership would be more responsive, data-driven, and impactful in translating research into real-world agricultural solutions.
Earlier in the ceremony, the outgoing Acting Executive Secretary pledged full support to Dr. Dabban’s leadership. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new helmsman to drive the council forward and assured him of continued collaboration to actualize the food production goals of the Tinubu administration.
On behalf of the ARCN management and staff, Dr. Shuaibu Madugu, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, expressed appreciation to the outgoing Acting Executive Secretary for his service during the transition period. He also welcomed Dr. Dabban, assuring him of the staff’s readiness to support his administration. Dr. Madugu, however, echoed the call for sincere leadership, urging the new Executive Secretary to uphold his pledge of ignoring sycophants and instead focusing on staff members who are genuinely committed to their duties.
The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for ARCN, as the Council looks ahead to a new era of agricultural innovation, policy integration, and practical impact on Nigeria’s food systems. With Dr. Dabban at the helm, expectations are high that the Council will deepen its contributions to national development through research, technology transfer, and stakeholder-driven strategies aimed at achieving food security and rural resilience.
