The news of my nomination and subsequent award as the First Black man to receive the International Innovator of the Year 2024 by the prestigious Farm Foundation, USA, felt like a dream come true. This renowned NGO, with a remarkable 90-year legacy, recognized the extensive impact of Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa (LIFA), an NGO I am proud to lead. The award ceremony, held at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Denver, Colorado, on June 20, 2024, gathered over 200 farmers and various value chain participants.
The recognition of LIFA’s impact beyond the shores of Africa is a testament to our dedication and efforts. Our work in improving livestock farmers’ awareness of vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies in the humid tropical climate of Africa has been significant. In just 3-4 years, LIFA has shared knowledge on animal agriculture across 15 African countries, impacting about 10,000 registered poultry farmers and value chain participants. The applause and commendation from the delegates at the ceremony were overwhelming.
In my response, I expressed my deepest gratitude to the Almighty God, the provider of all things, and appreciated the unwavering support from Zoetis Alpha initiatives, Zoetis Foundation, and all our partners who encouraged LIFA to actualize its divine agenda of developing animal food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
I am immensely thankful to my family, especially my beloved wife and children, who have been my pillar of support through various challenges. I also appreciate my extended roots, old schools, and the livestock associations in Nigeria and Africa for their continuous encouragement.
To all LIFA volunteers and members in Africa, this honor belongs to you all. It symbolizes dedication and consistency in your chosen careers. This recognition is a legacy of knowledge sharing and case studies, showcasing how a dedicated African veterinarian from a remote peri-urban location emerged to be honored by the distinguished Farm Foundation of America.
This award is not just for LIFA or Dr. Stephen Adejoro alone, but a global recognition of the innovative capacity of Africa, Nigeria, and my hometown, Ikare Akoko. I congratulate my entire family, including HRM Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh IV, the Olukare of Ikare, for this landmark achievement, which contributes to the improvement of animal food security in humid tropical climates and the world at large.
As we look forward to creating more impact and support for poultry farmers’ mental awareness and wellness in Africa, I sincerely dedicate this award to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I urge all Nigerians to prioritize homegrown agriculture as a vital aspect of our national development.
Long live the Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa! Long live the Poultry Association of Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! No Farmers, No Nation.
Thank you all for your letters of congratulations, and God bless Nigeria.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Adejoro
President, Livestock Industry Foundation for Africa (LIFA)
