Amzaib Global Media: TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR KUTA YAHAYA AT 59 By Lawal Tanko

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR KUTA YAHAYA AT 59 By Lawal Tanko

A result-oriented personality full of ideas, academician and an expert in organizational dynamics, Prof. Muhammed Kuta Yahaya, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Wushishi Old Students Association (WOSA) and former Secretary to the Government of Niger State.

There are certain personalities that are irresistible to historians and biographers of significant epochs either because of the circumstances of their birth, their lifetimes or because of the specific and strategic impact of their contribution to the growth of their community. One such person is the Professor of Agricultural Extension and Development Communication of the University of Ibadan. A brilliant Professor, amazing teacher, lecturer extraordinary, remarkable mentor, inspiring counsellor and, a man of impeccable credentials and many qualities rolled into one.

Prof. Kuta Yahaya, the BoT Chairman of WOSA and former Niger State Government’s Chief Scribe has effectively and efficiently injected his wealth of experience into the engine room of the State.

Professor Kuta Yahaya (Magatakardan Nupe), former Chief of Staff to the Governor, former Commissioner of Information and Strategy and former Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development is a man of multiple competencies. As an academician and distinguished communication expert, his credibility, passion for excellence and exemplary leadership speak volumes. No wonder, he has ascended to so many enviable positions. With hard work, the BoT Chairman has carved a niche for himself in the highly competitive and dynamic world of academic, communication and administration.

Professor Kuta Yahaya traversed all educational levels to become a remarkable character whose personal activities and official undertakings can only be viewed from the angle of rare distinction. He belongs to the category of people who are painstakingly working to achieve success, an embodiment of professionalism and a leader in every sense of the word. Indeed, the Professor of Agricultural Extension and Development Communication is a unique personality, a caring and loving family man. He is not attracted by fame or fortune nor is he swayed by the opinions of the majority. He knew his worth and guarded it against undue interference. Although he is fearless and unrelenting in support of any cause he considers worthy, service to humanity is his life.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the former Secretary to the State Government was the fulcrum of the administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Talban Minna) as well as a pride to the State in view of his immense contributions in fashioning out two documents that gave direction to the previous administration namely Development Action Plan (DAP) and Vision 3:2020. Prof. Kuta Yahaya represents the new generation of committed Nigerians who are putting in their best to lift the country to the next level.

In the field of academics, Professor Muhammed Kuta Yahaya ranks among the very best, he was born in Kuchi, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State on 20th October, 1962.

After the completion of his Primary and Government Teachers College, Wushishi, young Yahaya wasted no time and found himself at the University of Calabar from 1989 – 1991 where he graduated with Second Class Upper Division in Agricultural Science.

Despite these initials career successes, he never lost sight of his commitment to higher education. Prof. Kuta Yahaya secured his first academic appointment with the University of Ibadan in 1993, as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development while pursuing his Masters and Doctorate Degrees. And like most people in his generation, he obtained M.Sc and P.Hd Degrees from the same university of Ibadan in 1992 – 1995 respectively.

Prof. Kuta Yahaya never detaches from his intellectual root, the Nigeria Premier University, even as he navigates the heavy tide of governance while he was the Chief Scribe of the State Government, he wrote academic papers, discussed with fellow Professionals, submitted articles to journals and contributed effectively to happenings in various citadels of learning.

A recipient of so many awards and member of so many professional associations, the former SSG has several books and over one hundred articles published in both local and international academic journals.

Honours And Distinctions

University of Ibadan -Zard Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture, - 1992

Council for the Development of Social Research in Africa, Dakar, Senegal- CODESRIA Laureate- Grant for Doctoral Thesis – 1993

MKO Abiola Post Graduate Scholarship - 1994

MacArthur Foundation Grant Fund for Leadership Development Programme, - 1997

CODESRIA nominee to UNESCO - Most Outstanding Doctoral Thesis – 1998

Salzburg Seminar Fellowship - Session 376: The Social and Economic Determinants of Public's Health, Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria. 2000.

Federal Government Sponsorship to 4th Entertainment – Education Conference in Cape Town South Africa- September 26-30, 2004.

Honoured for second best presentation at the 5th African Crop Science Society Conference, held between 21st – 26th October 2001 at Eko Le Meriden Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria.

Honoured as one of the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England – 2001.

Honoured by the Etsu Nupe with the traditional title- Magatakardan Nupe in January, 2009 and as Waziri of Ibadan by Oba Tapa in May, 2012

Academic/Scholarly contributions

Books

E.E. Osuji and M.K. Yahaya (eds.) (1995) Women and Extension Services in Nigeria ALJEL Compulink International, Ibadan.

Lucas E.O., Adeleye, I.O.A, Yahaya, M.K. and Olaniyan, A.B. (1997): Basic Principles in Agriculture: Ibadan, Agbo Areo, Publishers, 53-86

Yahaya M. K. (2000): Ignorance is a Disease: A Short Play on Reproductive Health Education: Ibadan, Stirling - Horden, 45pages

Yahaya M. K. (2000) Indigenous music for Entertainment Education: Lessons from AIDS: BATAN NAEWUZANA - Stirling Horden Publishers, Ibadan, 58p.

Yahaya, M.K. (2003) Development Communication: Lessons from Change and Social Engineering Projects. Corporate Graphic Publishers, Ibadan 240p. ISBN 978-36756-2-1

Yahaya, M. K. (ed) (2008) Communication for Social Change in Developing Countries. Kraft Books Limited, Ibadan 280p. ISBN 978-978-49098-6-0

Yahaya, M.K (2002): Gender and Communication Variables in Agricultural Information in Two-Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria: Ibadan, Corporate Graphics Limited, 68pages

Chapter in Books

Yahaya, M.K. (1995): Farm Characteristics of Women Farmers in Northern Nigeria: Implications for Effective Extension Delivery to Women in Agriculture, In Osuji, E.E and Yahaya, M.K. (eds) Women and Extension Services in Nigeria: Ibadan, Aljel Compulink International, 57-68

Ogunfiditimi, T.O. and Yahaya, M.K. (1995): Contemporary Issues in Extension Science: Problems and Prospects. In Osuji, E.E and Yahaya, M.K. (eds) Women and Extension Services in Nigeria: Ibadan, Aljel Compulink International, 173 – 182.

Yahaya M. K. (2000) Food Nutrition in Akinbile, L. A and S. O Odebode (eds) Home Economics External studies programme pp.7-15.

Yahaya M. K. (2001) Agricultural Extension Teaching Methods, in Akinbile L. A and J. O. Oladeji (eds) Agricultural Extension Education. External Studies Programme pp 64-70.

Yahaya, M. K. (2003) Gender Considerations in Radio Option for Development Support communication: Empirical Evidence from Northern Nigeria. in Soola, E. O. (ed) Communicating for Development Purposes, Ibadan, Krafts Books Ltd. pp100-104,

Yahaya, M.K.(2005) Mainstreaming Entertainment – Education for Agricultural Extension work, in S.F. Adedoyin (ed) Agricultural Extension in Nigeria, Ilorin, AESON John Archers pp 234-244,

Yahaya, M.K.(2005) Land, Agriculture, Conflict Nexus: Lessons from Zimbabwe. in I.O. Albert (ed), Perspectives on Peace and Conflict in Africa Essays in Honour of General (Dr.) Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, Ibadan, John Archers. pp279-287

Yahaya, M. K. (2008) Deliberative Democracy’ and the ‘Jama’a Forum in Niger State, in I. O. Albert (ed), Praxis of Political Concepts and Clichés in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Essays in Honour of Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, pp317-323,

Yahaya M. K. (2008a). Effective Family Communication for Social Change in Developing Countries in Yahaya, M.K. (2008) (ed) Communication for Social Change in Developing Countries. Kraft Books Limited, Ibadan 280p. ISBN 978-978-49098-6-0

Yahaya M. K. Agricultural Extension Teaching Methods, AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION, External Studies Program: AES 310 University Of Ibadan, Ibadan. Joytal Printing Press: Ibadan. ISBN 978-021085-7

Articles that have already appeared in Refereed Conference Proceedings

Yahaya, M.K. and Olowu, T. A. (1995): Rural Development – oriented Information Content in Nigerian Newspapers: Strategies for Effective Research- Farmers Linkage, in Olowu, T.A. (ed), Issues and Perspectives in Technology Transfer for Food Security in the Present and Future. Proceedings of the Second Conference of Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, Ilorin, AESON, pp 66-75

Yahaya, M.K and Olajide, B.R. (2000): Effectiveness of Contact Farmer Strategy in Oyo State ADP: Administrative Lessons for Innovation Delivery in Olowu, T. A. (ed), Agricultural Extension and Poverty Alleviation, Proceedings of Sixth Annual Conference of Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, pp247-253

Yahaya, M.K.(2000): Prospects of Integrated Multi- media Communication Model in Mobilising Farmers for the Adoption of Sustainable Poverty alleviation Programmes in Nigeria in Olowu, T. A. (ed), Agricultural Extension and Poverty Alleviation, Proceedings of Sixth Annual Conference of Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, pp 162-176

Yahaya, M.K. (2001): Media Use Pattern of Women Farmers in Northern Nigeria: Imperatives for Sustainable and Gender Sensitive Extension Delivery. African Crop Science Society Conference Proceedings, pp 747-754.

Yahaya, M.K. and B. Hassan (2001): Socio-economic Impact of South Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) on Farmers in Borno State, Nigeria. African Crop Science Society Conference Proceedings, pp 781-786

Yahaya, M.K. (2002) Visual and entertainment Media Support for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Nigeria, Proceedings of XIV International AIDS Conference 2002 Barcelona, Spain July 7-12 2002: Monduzzi Editore (Eds) CD-ROM- C708L6236 pp 243-249.

Yahaya, M. K and Olajide, B.R. (2004) Effects of Folk Music and Community Outreach Drama Performances on HIV and AIDS Awareness in Niger State of Nigeria. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Entertainment – Education held at the Somerset Lodge, Cape Town, South Africa between September 26th-30th, 2004. Society for Edutainment Education in Africa. pp 106-122 www.e4.org

Yahaya, M. K. (2006) Pro – Social Lessons from “Oh Father, Oh Daughter”: A Nigerian Television Authority Super Story Serial, Proceedings of the First World Congress on Communication for Development held at the Headquarters of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy between October 25-27, 2006. Paper 628_1227_22304 of the WCCD edited e-database. Update www.devcomm.com

Yahaya, M. K. (2006) The Influence of Parent-Child Communication Pattern in Risky Behaviour Reduction among Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria, Proceedings of the First World Congress on Communication for Development held at the Headquarters of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy between October 25-27, 2006. Paper 628_129_15343 of the WCCD edited e -database. Update www.devcomm.com

Yahaya, M.K (2013). Corruption: A Degeneration of our Existence. Minna National Discourse on Corruption Proceedings. Leowealth Nigeria Limited: Minna

Yahaya M. K., Hamza, H. and Dzukogi, B. M. (2013). Corruption: Contextual Clarifications. Minna National Discourse on Corruption Proceedings. Leowealth Nigeria Limited: Minna

Yahaya, M. K. (2015) Agricultural Systems and Rural Development: A Nigerian Perspective. In Popoola, L; Olaniyan, O; Alabi, R and Olayide, O (eds), Proceedings of Ibadan Sustainable Development summit on The Post – 2015 Sustainable Agenda: Whither Africa? Saphire Prints ISBN978-978-51675-3-5, P91-122

Articles that have already appeared in learned journals

Olowu, T.A. and Yahaya, M.K (1993): Nigerian Journalists Attitude towards Coverage of Rural Development News. Nigerian Journal of Rural Extension and Development, 1, Nos. 2 & 3, 39- 48.

Olowu, T. A. and Yahaya, M. K. (1997): Attitude of Media Practitioners towards Women Farmers Participation in Media Programme Production in North Central Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 1, 58- 65.

Olowu, T. A. and Yahaya, M. K. (1998): Determination of Agricultural Information needs of Women farmers: A Case Study of North – Central Nigeria. Journal of Extension Systems, 14, No 1, 39-54

Oladele, O. I., Okoruwa, V. A., Yahaya, M. K. and Adegboye, R. O. (2000): Socio-economic Characteristics of Enclave Dwellers and their Implications for Biodiversity Conservation in Ogun State, Nigeria. Ghana Journal of Forestry, 9, 35-38.

Yahaya, M.K. and Ango, A.K. (2000): Analysis of socio-economic and environmental impacts of Bakolori Irrigation and Fadama Development Projects in Sokoto/Kebbi water shed in Northern Nigeria. Lessons for irrigation planners in Semi–arid Regions. Book of abstract of 10th International colloquim for optimization of Plant Nutrition, 8-13

Yahaya, M. K. (2001): Integrated Multimedia Strategy for Development Support Communication: Lessons from Nigeria. Journal of Development Communication, 2, No.53-72.

Yahaya, M.K. and Omokhaye, S.B. (2001): Cocoa farmers' perceived influence of communication channels on utilization of improved cocoa seed technologies in Owan-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Moor Journal of Agricultural Research 2:199-207.

Yahaya, M.K. (2002): Analysis of Women's Reproductive Health Situation in Bida Emirate of Niger State Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 6, No.1, 50-64.

Yahaya M.K and Olajide, B.R (2002). The Impact of Agriculture on Environmental health. Journal of Environmental Extension 3 (1) 47-58.

Yahaya, M.K. (2002): Outreach Communication Strategy in Community Mobilisation for Reproductive Health Education In Niger State of Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences 6(3), 189-196.

Yahaya, M.K. and Badiru, O.I (2002): Measuring the impact of Farmers on Agricultural Radio and Television Programs in Southwest Nigeria. Journal of Applied Communication. 86, No 3, 24-36.

Yahaya, M.K. (2002): Development and Challenges of Bakolori Irrigation Projects in Sokoto State Nigeria, Nordic Journal of African Studies. 11, No 3, 411-430

Yahaya, M.K. and Olajide, B.R. (2003): Comparative Analysis of Traditional Conventional Media in Entertainment–Education Format Utilization for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Nigeria. Journal of Social Science 7, No 1, 1-9

Yahaya, M.K. and Olajide, B. R (2003): Challenges of entertainment – education Format utilization for agricultural information dissemination in Nigeria. Journal of International Communication 9 (1), 127 – 142

Yahaya, M.K. (2003): Determinants of Youths Participation in Change Programmes in Rural Nigeria, The Anthropologist. 5, No 2, 101-106

Yahaya, M.K. and Ango, A.K. (2003): Socio-economic and environmental effects of Bakolori irrigation and Fadama development projects in Sokoto/Kebbi. Moor Journal of Agricultural Research 4 (1), 157-163,

Yahaya, M.K. (2003): The Nupe People of Nigeria The Anthropologist. 1, No 2, 95-110.

Olajide, B.R and Yahaya, M.K (2003): Traditional Media Practitioners' Perception of Entertainment Education Format Utilization for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Nigeria, Moor Journal of Agricultural Research 4(2), 266-273.

Olajide, B.R and Yahaya, M.K (2004): Electronic Media Practitioners' Perception of Entertainment Education Format Utilization for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Nigeria, Moor Journal of Agricultural Research 5 (2), 162- 170.

Yahaya, M. K. and Olajide B. R (2004): Media and Extension Practitioners' Assessment of Agricultural information Dissemination Channels in Southwest Nigeria, Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology 4, Nos. 1&2, 72-79.

Yahaya, M.K. (2005): Development Communication and Social Engineering: Prospects for Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria, Ibadan Journal of Agricultural Research 1 No 1, 48- 57.

Yahaya, M. K. and Olajide B. R (2005): Social and Economic Implications of Family Planning in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology 5, Nos. 1&2, 123-129.

Yahaya, M. K. and Olajide B. R (2005) Perceived Efficacy of Indigenous Media in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology 5, Nos. 1&2, 130-136.

Nabinta R. T., Yahaya, M. K., And Olajide B. R. (2007): Socio-economic Implications of Rural Energy Exploitation and Utilization on Sustainable Development in Gombe State. Journal of Social Sciences, 15, No. 3. 205-211.

Yahaya, M. K., Nabinta R. T. And Olajide B. R. (2007): Nutritional Status of Female Farmers on Agricultural Intensification in Selected Communities in Gombe State. Journal of Human Ecology, 22, No. 4. 285-289.

Nabinta , R.T. S. Kushwaha, Yahaya, M.K., And Olajide B. R. (2007): Health Status of Female Farmers and Farmers' Children: Empirical Evidences from Gombe State of Nigeria. Journal of Human Ecology, 22, No. 3. 205-210.

Yahaya, M. K. and B. Aina (2007): Communication and Social Change: Lessons from Cassava Technology Transfer in Nigeria, Journal of Agricultural Extension 10. 176-188.

Yahaya M.K; Nabinta, R.T and Olajide, B.R (2007).Gender, energy and environmental nexus in female farmers household energy management in Gombe State, Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences 7 (1), 1-9,

Oyedele, O. O. and Yahaya, M. K. (2007): Technical Information Needs in Improved Citrus Production Techniques of Farmers in South Western Nigeria, Journal of Agricultural Extension 10. 168-175

Yahaya M.K; Nabinta, R.T and Olajide, B.R (2007).

Gender, energy and environmental nexus in female farmers household energy management in Gombe State, Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences 7 (1), 1-9, 2003.

Bolarinwa, K.K. and Yahaya, M.K. (2009): Comparative performance of single spray integrated Management technology over conventional practices among cowpea farmers in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Extension 8 (1)

Yahaya, M. K; Fadairo, O. S and Ogunleye, A. O. (2009): Attitude and the Effect of Health-based Entertainment - Education Strategies on Knowledge and Behavior of Women in Lagos State, International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development 2, No 1.1-8

Yahaya, M. K; Fadairo, O. S and Abe, A O. (2009) Media Utilization for Mobilizing Women for National Programme on Immunisation(NPI) in Oyo State, Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology 9, No 1. 18-25

Fadairo O.S and Yahaya. M.K. (2010).Effectiveness of the CDD Approach for Facilitating Grassroots Development: Lessons from the Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP) in Nigeria. The Nigerian Journal of Rural Extension and Development Vol.3: 1-8. (Nigeria).

Oyedele, O.O. and Yahaya, M.K. (2010). Citrus farmers production constraints and attitude to training on improved techniques of citrus production. Journal of Agriculture and Social research (JASR) 10 (2),

Oyedele, O.O and Yahaya M.K (2010). Knowledge of citrus Farmers in Improved production practices: Lessons from Southwestern Nigeria. Moor Journal of Agricultural Research 11 – 129-136.

Oyedele, O.O and Yahaya, M.K, (2011), Cropping Systems and Training needs of Citrus Farmers in Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Rural Development 30 (3) 263-272.

Bolarinwa K.K, and Yahaya, M.K (2011): Effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on women farmers utilization of soya bean in conflict prone areas of Taraba State, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences 9 (1) 15 – 22

Fadairo, O.S; Olajide, B.R and Yahaya, M.K (2011), Radio listening habits of pupils of nomadic pastoralists and migrant fisher folks in Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Forestry and the Social Sciences 9 (1) 50 – 65.

Yahaya, M. K., Adamson, F. A. and Kareem, H. T. (2018). Coverage of Agricultural Programmes in Broadcast Stations in Oyo State. Journal of Agricultural Extension. Vol. 22(3)

Technical report and/or monographs

Olawoye, J.E; A.C.Agumagu; A.Gbadegesin; S.O Akande; and M. K. Yahaya (1994): Situation Analysis of Nigerian Women and Girls, WORDOC Coordinated Research Project for UNICEF-Agricultural Production and Rural Productivity. 73P

Indabawa, S.A.; Olowu T.A. and Yahaya M.K. (1995): A Comparative Analysis of Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative bank Small scale Holder Direct loan Scheme on Small - Scale farmers in Nigeria, Final Report Submitted to the Management of the Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank (NACB) Headquarters, Kaduna.

Adegboye, R O, A. O. Adeola. V. O. Okoruwa, M. K. Yahaya, O. I Oladele, A. K Fawusi, A. I. Somade, and O. O. Famiyide (1999): Socio – Economic Survey, in A. Ola-Adams (ed) Biodiversity Inventions of Omo-Biosphere Reserve, Nigeria. Country Report on Biodiversity Conversation and Sustainable Development in Africa (BRAAF) Project. Pp. 125 – 161.

Yahaya M. K. (2000) Review of the book - women's rights versus women's rites: A Study of Circumcision among the Ketu Yoruba of South Western Nigeria. WID Bulletins, Michigan State University.

Yahaya M. K. (2003) Review of the book – Combating AIDS: Communication Strategies in Action (Singhal A. and E.M Rogers, 2003) in the Journal of International Communication Vol 9 (2) pp128-130

Yahaya, M.K. (2003): Balance of interest: Challenges of Education, Youths and Gender Development, Inaugural Alumni Lecture of Niger State College of Education, Minna, March 21, 2003

Yahaya, M.K (2004): Interview with Arvind Singhal- Journal of

Global Communication Research Association (JGCRA) December 2004 edition

Nkonya, E. Phillip, D Mogues, T, Pender, JL, Kato, E; Yahaya, MK and Adebowale, G (2008): Impacts of pro – poor community- driven development project in Nigeria. IFPRI Discussion Paper 00756 Intl Food Policy Institute, Washington , DC

Nkonya, E. Phillip, D Mogues, T, Pender, JL, Kato, E and Yahaya, MK (2010): From ground up: Impacts of pro – poor community- driven development project in Nigeria. Intl Food Policy Institute, Washington, DC

Yahaya, M. K. (2012): Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) - Landmark Decisions 2007-2011, Volume 1.

Yahaya, M. K. (2013): The Marriage of 1914: Curse or Blessing.

Lecture organized by Lagos Country Club, Book of Proceedings

77. Yahaya, M.K., Otaiku, A. (2015): Taming Unemployment, Hunger

and Poverty of Young People in Agriculture. Northern States Perspectives on Key Issues. National Conference of Nigeria, A publication by Arewa Consultative Forum and Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Kaduna. Published by MW and Associates, p 267-282 - ISBN 978-978-950-038-3

Yahaya, M.K., Shettima, A.A and Omali, B. (2018)

Rethinking the Security and Development Agenda for Northern Nigeria. Proceedings of the Summit organized by The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, held between 24 and 25 April 2017. MustafaWya publishers, Kaduna. 253p ISBN 978-978-965-237-2

79. Yahaya, M.K, Aina, B. and Adelu R.A. (2019) Crisis in Land Resource Control: Towards A Collective Approach to Ending the Herders-Farmers Conflicts in Ladele A.A. and Igodan, C.A. (editors) Essays in Honor of Johnson Ekpere (in Press)

80. Yahaya, M.K, Olajide, B. R (2019) Harvesting the Possibilities in ICT, Entertainment - Education and New Media in Rural Extension in Ladele A.A. and Igodan, C.A. (editors) Essays in Honor of Johnson Ekpere (in Press)

x) Other Research endeavours

[a] Determination of Women's Socio- economic Profile in Two North Central States of Nigeria

The study ascertained the socio-economic circumstances of women farmers. Findings show that women in seclusion are significantly different from their non - secluded counterparts with reference to socio- economic status, farm holdings and media use pattern. Specifically, non-secluded women have higher socio- economic status among others. Hence, the study reveals the challenges inherent in agricultural information packaging and dissemination to women in Northern Nigeria.

[b] Communication Intervention Experiment in Bida Emirate of Niger State, Nigeria

This study confirmed the efficacy of multi - media communication strategy for community mobilization in Reproductive Health Education and Youth Development. Also, the study further revealed that Entertainment–Education has a lot of potentials in development communication that needs further exploitation in social engineering especially grassroots mobilization in Agriculture, Community Development, Health and Education.

[c] A Survey of Gender and Communication Variables in Agricultural Information Dissemination in Two Agro Ecological Zones of Nigeria

The study shows the implications of gender and communication variables in agricultural information dissemination in two- agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Findings reveal that differences exist in the participation of women in farming activities from the two zones and restrictions are agro-ecologically consistent where religious inhibitions are more pronounced in the Savannah Zone than the Forest Zone. Meanwhile, radio and extension agents are the most readily accessible communication channels across the two ago-ecological zones.

Community Service

Anchored the development of the Niger State Development Action Plan in 2007.

Chaired the development of Niger State Vision 3:2020 and input into the National document on Vision 20:2020 in which Niger State was the first to submit and be acknowledged by the National Planning Commission as a model for others by the Presidency-2009/2010

Chaired and anchored the development of Niger State Vision Document. 2010

Secretary to Government of Niger State 2007-2011

Chief of Staff, Government House, Niger State 2011-2012

Commissioner for Information, Niger State 2013-2014

Commissioner for Agriculture, Niger State 2014-2015

Overseeing Commissioner, Tertiary Educ

Niger state 2014- 2015

Chairman & Secretariat Coordinator,

Forum of Secretaries to 19 Northern States 2007-2011

Coordinator, Niger State Vision 3:2020 Committee 2009- 2010

Coordinator, Niger State Technical Committee on

Security 2007-2013

Coordinator, NSGF Committee on Security,

Reconciliation & Healing 2012-2013

Chairman, Committee of Rehabilitation of

Almajeri children and several other committees

related to social and economic matters. 2014- 2015

Rapporteur/Co-ordinator of National Retreat organised by Amb. Babagana Kingigbe, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for Secretaries to the Governments of 36 States held in Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River State in 2007.

Rapporteur/Co-ordinator of National Retreat organized by Amb. Babagana Kingigbe (SGF) for Secretaries to the Governments of 36 States held at Concord Hotel Owerri, Imo State in 2008.

Host/Co-ordinator of National Retreat organised by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for Secretaries to the Governments of 36 States held in Minna, Niger State in 2009 which was the last to be held in Nigeria.

Attendee of the National Economic Council with the Governor between 2007 and 2012 and had privileged to interact intimately with over 70% of the Governors of the 36 states of Nigeria and not fewer than 50% of the Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and key parastatals involved in National Policies and Programmes particularly Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), National Primary Health Care Development Agency, National Fadama Porgramme, National Export Promotion Council, National Investment Promotion Council, National Poverty/Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.

Coordinated the entire machinery of government with precision, which accounted for the Privileged honour and respect to host National leaders and related very well with them particularly the former Heads of State and Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former President of the Republic of Mozambique, President Joaquim Chisano.

Hosted and coordinated national and international programmes in the Diplomatic circle with Ambassadors/High Commissioners to the following countries and Embassies OF the United States of America; United Kingdom; France; Germany; China ; South Africa ; Korea; Japan; India; Malaysia and Indonesia

(z) Consultancy Services

Lead Consultant, National Commission for Nomadic Educ2006-2007

Consultant to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) on Social Mobilisation aspect for on the development of the Blue Print for the UBE in Nigeria and National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) on the planned Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) Programme- 2005- 2006

Lead consultant in the development of the Training Manual on Advocacy and Community Mobilization for the Prevention of Mother –To- Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in collaboration with UNICEF Draft Document- 2004

Lead consultant in the training of Social Mobilization Action Teams (SMATs) on Advocacy and Community Mobilization for the Prevention of Mother –To- Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in collaboration with UNICEF and Rivers State Government in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Gombe State Government in 2004 and 2005 and in collaboration with ABUTH Zaria, for officers in Zaria, Sabongari, Kudan and Soba LGAs all between September 1 to December 2, 2004 and FACA FCT Abuja in January 2005

Consultant in the facilitation and Training of Communication Officers and Community Development Officer of the World Bank Assisted Fadama II and LEEMP Projects in Nigeria November 1- 5, 2004 - 2007 and National consultant on the Beneficiary assessment - October 2006- March 2007

Consultant Fadama III Plus assessment mission to Plateau, Kano, Niger and Kogi states - January 2016

Team Leader, World Bank assisted project - Nigeria Partnership for Education Projects (NIPEP) in Five Northern states August 2016 to October 2016

Consultant on Communication Strategies and Citizen Engagement for social Safety net for National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) and National Conditional Cash Transfer office (NCTO) November 2016 to 2018

Consultant to Development Activities International (DAI) on Nigerian Agricultural Extension Services and Farming Systems in seven states of Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna, Benue Ebonyi, Cross River and Delta- 2019

(aa) Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Established

Centre for Communication and Reproductive Health Services (CCRHS) in 2001.

(ab) Facilitation of Developmental Projects

-Principally facilitated and related with Development partners on various interventions and initiatives particularly, the World Bank; UNICEF, MacArthur Foundation, UNDP among others. In addition, facilitated and coordinated international Conferences and symposia at the prestigious Harvard University, USA, University of Pittsburg, USA and Chatham House London and also coordinated Symposium for the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum [NSGF] at the United States Institute for Peace [USIP] held in Washington DC in March 2014. Also attended several short courses on leadership and communication particularly at the World Congress for Communication in Development [WCCD], Rome, Italy [2006], University of Pittsburgh, USA [2008], American University, Dubai [2010], Harvard University, United States [2010; 2011] and other conferences in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

Community Service

Anchored the development of the Niger State Development Action Plan in 2007.

Chaired and anchored the development of Niger State Vision Document. 2010

Secretary to Government of Niger State 2007-2011

Chief of Staff, Government House, Niger State 2011-2012

Commissioner for Information, Niger State 2013-2014

Commissioner for Agriculture, Niger State 2014-2015

Overseeing Commissioner, Tertiary Educ

Niger state 2014- 2015

Chairman & Secretariat Coordinator,

Forum of Secretaries to 19 Northern States 2007-2011

Coordinator, Niger State Vision 3:2020 Committee 2009- 2010

Coordinator, Niger State Technical Committee on

Security 2007-2013

Coordinator, NSGF Committee on Security,

Reconciliation & Healing 2012-2013

Chairman, Committee of Rehabilitation of

Almajeri children and several other committees

related to social and economic matters. 2014- 2015

Rapporteur/Co-ordinator of National Retreat organized by Amb. Babagana Kingigbe (SGF) for Secretaries to the Governments of 36 States held at Concord Hotel Owerri, Imo State in 2008.

(z) Consultancy Services

Lead Consultant, National Commission for Nomadic Educ2006-2007

Consultant Fadama III Plus assessment mission to Plateau, Kano, Niger and Kogi states - January 2016

Team Leader, World Bank assisted project - Nigeria Partnership for Education Projects (NIPEP) in Five Northern states August 2016 to October 2016

(aa) Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Established

Centre for Communication and Reproductive Health Services (CCRHS) in 2001.

(ab) Facilitation of Developmental Projects

Co-ordination of result-oriented events

Coordinator, formation of Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation

Committee 2008-2011

Coordinator, Niger State Vision 3:2020 Committee 2009- 2010

Coordinator, Niger State Technical Committee on

Security 2007-2013

Coordinator, NSGF Committee on Security,

Reconciliation & Healing 2012- 2013

Coordinator, MBA International Literary

Colloquium 2011- 2014

Coordinator, Minna National Discourse on

Corruption 2013

Coordinator, NSGF Symposium organized by

United States Institute of Peace [USIP] in

Washington DC, March 17- 19, 2014

Coordinator, University of Ibadan Committee on the establishment of University TV- 2017 to date

[ae] Conferences Attended and seminars

XIV International AIDS Conference 2002 held at Barcelona, Spain, July 7-12, 2002.

• Fourth International Conference on Entertainment – Education held at the Somerset Lodge, Cape Town, South Africa between September 26 and 30, 2004

• World Congress on Communication for Development held in Rome, Italy between October 25 and 27, 2006

• Governance & Leadership Training Program at University of Pittsburgh between October 3 and 8, 2008

• Society for Peace Studies and Practice [SPSP] 5th Annual Conference “Towards Sustainable Peace, Security & Development in Nigeria” held at Kofi Anan Institute in Accra Ghana on July 27 and 29, 2011

• IFC Regional PPP Conference held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on November 13, 2011

• World Infrastructure Summit held at Pullman Eiffel Tour Hotel, Paris on November 29, 2011

• “Leadership for the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict and Courage”, February 5-10, 2012 at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, USA

• Chatham House Lecture held at Royal Institute of International Affairs, London on July 10, 2012

• Investors’ Summit organized by Bank of Industry held in London on July 30, 2012

• NGF-GIZ Working Visit to some States in Germany; August 25, 2012 to September 6, 2012

• High Impact Presentation Training Program held at Canadian University of Dubai between October 16 & 17, 2012

• AGCO African Summit held in Berlin, Germany on January 21, 2013

• Presidential Summit on Water, Banquet Hall, Abuja between February 18 and 19, 2013

• NSGF-USIP Symposium held at USIP Headquarters, Washington DC, United States of America between March 17 and 19, 2014

• Lead presenter at the international conference of Ibadan Sustainable Development summit on "Agricultural Systems and Rural Development" August 23 to 26, 2015

Invited paper “Science, Technology and Innovation in Human Capital Development for Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industries in Nigeria”, presented to participants of Senior Executive Course 39, 2017 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, June 22, 2017

Invited paper “ Current Landscape of Innovative Farm Technology Adoption” presented at the Liverpool Business School / IITA Workshop on Barriers to Information in Rural Agriculture: The case of Nigeria held at the IITA Conference Centre, Ibadan, May 20= 21, 2019