In a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and legacy,Dr. Samson Adeola Odedina , former Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture Akure (FCAA), celebrates a full-circle moment—three decades after leading the institution’s Tree Crops unit, he has begun harvesting his own teak plantation.
A Legacy Rooted in History
In 1996, Dr. Odedina was appointed Head of the Tree Crops unit at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Akure—now FCAA. The institution holds deep personal significance for him, as he was once a student there before rising through the ranks to become its Provost and Chief Executive, the first alumnus to do so since its founding in 1957.
Under the mentorship of the late Provost, Dr. Adetoro—his former Soil Science teacher—Dr. Odedina revitalised the unit, rehabilitating the college’s historic tree crop plantation. His efforts included replanting ageing palm trees and establishing new plantations of teak, rubber, and cocoa, preserving the vision of the institution’s pioneers while driving innovation.
From Institutional Duty to Personal Fulfilment
Two years later, in 1998, Dr. Odedina acquired a 2.5-acre plot on the outskirts of Akure for less than ₦100,000 and planted teak trees, drawn by their beauty and long-term value. Now, 28 years later, he has commenced his first harvest—a testament to patience and foresight.
“It’s a humbling experience to see the fruits of labour decades in the making,” Dr. Odedina shared. “From nurturing tree crops at FCAA to now harvesting my own plantation, this is a moment of gratitude to God for life and fulfilment.”
A Sustainable Future
The harvest marks not just a personal milestone but also an opportunity for economic and environmental impact. The teak wood will be used for furniture and other commercial purposes, demonstrating the enduring value of tree planting.
Dr. Odedina’s journey—from student to leader, from institutional service to personal harvest—stands as an inspiration, proving that dedication to sustainable agriculture yields rewards across generations.
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