University of Ilorin, Nigeria | November 2025
In a landmark convergence of science, policy, and community action, stakeholders from across Nigeria’s agriculture, health, and academic sectors gathered at the University of Ilorin for the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Prevention Summit — a national forum redefining how sustainable agriculture can serve as a frontline defense against the accelerating global AMR crisis.
Convened by the Thriving Leadership Network under the leadership of Waziri Gobiri, and co-hosted with the University of Ilorin AMR Prevention Club, Livestock Estate Club, and Planetary Health Club, the summit drew an influential coalition of policymakers, researchers, youth leaders, veterinarians, farmers, and innovators, including Adun Initiatives.
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“AMR is a silent pandemic—but we have the knowledge and community strength to stop it before it deepens into catastrophe,” Gobiri noted in his opening remarks.
A Shared Commitment to One Health and Sustainable Systems
Dignitaries, policy actors, and institutional stakeholders graced the summit, including:
HRH Kehinde Adeoti, Aresinkeye III, Kabiyesi of Iludun-Esie Hon. Toyosi Thomas, Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development ably represented by Dr. Bukola Richards.
Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Health, ably represented by Pharm. Baraka Olarewaju
Co-Founders of Adun Initiatives Dr. Bola Yusuf and OLARIBIGBE Tajudeen.
Leaders of the Association of Fish Farmers in Kwara (AFFAK)
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Stakeholder groups from universities, NGOs, research bodies, and the agrifood sector Government representatives affirmed a renewed dedication to strengthening AMR surveillance systems, enhancing farm-level stewardship, scaling sustainable food production practices, and embedding evidence-based agriculture into policy planning.
One official emphasized: “AMR stewardship is not just a health issue—it is an agricultural and environmental responsibility.”
Keynotes Spotlight the Science, Pathways, and Urgency of AMR Prevention
In a compelling keynote address,Prof. O. B. Fawole, Professor of Plant & Soil Microbiology, delivered a stark warning:
“AMR is not a distant risk—its fingerprints are already present in our soils, water bodies, and food chains.”
She underscored that soil health and regenerative farming play critical roles in breaking environmental transmission routes for resistance.
From the veterinary front,Dr. Moses Arokoyo, President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), represented by Dr. Musa Imam Abubakar, stressed:
“Responsible antibiotic use in livestock is foundational to food safety and public health.”
Complementing these insights:
Prof. Abdulhameed Badmos highlighted how overcrowding, poor nutrition, and unregulated drug use accelerate resistance in livestock systems.
Pharm. Dr. Abdulmalik Aliyu emphasized the danger of environmental antibiotic residues, calling for improved waste management, regulation, and behavioral change across agricultural and food value chains.
Representing the agricultural sustainability ecosystem, Dr. Bola Yusuf, Convener of Adun Initiatives, delivered a systems-based perspective rooted in AMR prevention and Environmental stewardship.
Unveiling the University of Ilorin Livestock Estate: A Model for the Future
A major highlight of the summit was the launch of the University of Ilorin Livestock Estate—a student-driven initiative envisioned as a national model for sustainable, AMR-conscious livestock production.
The estate is designed as:
A living laboratory for climate-smart livestock farming
A training hub for AMR-safe agricultural practices
A center for waste-to-wealth innovation
A scalable model for replication in institutions nationwide Attendees praised it as “a groundbreaking step in embedding AMR awareness and sustainable farming into youth leadership.”
Symbolic Donation: Adun Bio-Organic Fertilizer for Youth-Led AMR Prevention
In a notable moment,Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe, Co-founder of Adun Initiatives, promised professional support and consulting services, donated Adun Bio-organic Fertilizer to student clubs driving AMR awareness within the university.
The gesture reinforces Adun’s ongoing support for the University of Ilorin Livestock Estate, including:
Climate-smart livestock management frameworks
Waste recycling and circular production systems
Organic feed and organic input integration
AMR-aware farm protocols and biosecurity designs
Hands-on internships and experiential learning opportunities“AMR prevention begins long before antibiotics enter the system,” Olaribigbe stated.
“It begins with the soil we enrich, the water we protect, the feeds we craft, and the farms we build.”
A Unified Vision for an AMR-Safe Nigeria
A common message resonated across all presentations:AMR is preventable—if Nigeria strengthens its systems and collaborates across sectors.Stakeholders emphasized five priority actions:
1. Strengthening One Health coordination across agriculture, environment, and health
2. Scaling sustainable agriculture to reduce disease drivers at the source
3. Promoting responsible antibiotic use through policy and community training
4. Adopting climate-smart livestock and aquaculture systems
5. Empowering youth as the next generation of AMR stewards and innovators
Looking Ahead
The AMR Prevention Summit at the University of Ilorin marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s movement for sustainable agriculture, public health resilience, and youth-led transformation.With government agencies, academia, traditional leadership, private innovators like Adun Initiatives, and committed student champions working together, Nigeria is building a stronger pathway toward sustainable food systems, safer communities, and an AMR-conscious future
