WHICH PROFESSION DID YOU DREAM OF AS A CHILD? Mine was farming. While many children mentioned medicine, law, engineering, I proudly imagined myself raising animals and building successful commercial farms.

My journey started when my Uncle, Munirudeen Olawale Alimi, gifted me one cock and two hens. Within months, three chickens became twelve, awakening confidence, purpose, and youthful entrepreneurial ambition early.

Prince Ogundipe Adetokunbo, an Animal Scientist nearby, became my first mentor. Later, university studies at FUNAAB, practical poultry training, NYSC savings, and ruminant farming steadily strengthened my lifelong dream greatly.

During my masters at UI, Prof. Tolu Ososanya professionally groomed me. My parents, siblings, mentors, and every opportunity God provided helped transform childhood passion into purposeful agribusiness and lasting success.

I share this story to appreciate everyone who supported me and encourage youths to pursue their passions. Parents, please support your children’s dreams; success wears many different professional faces indeed.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view