A three-member delegation from ARCN paid a familiarisation visit to WACCI from the 23rd to 25th of February, 2010. The Delegation comprised: •Professor M. D. Magaji, Technical Director, Department of Plant Resources •Professor O.O. Oni, Technical Director, Department of Livestock/Fisheries •Dr. A. S. Bdullahi, Unit Head, Institutional Development

ARCN, in close collaboration with Cornell University, USA, is interested in establishing a Nigerian Centre of Excellence for Crop and Animal Improvement for reasons similar to those for which WACCI was established.

While at WACCI, the team interacted with Management, staff and students to acquaint themselves of the challenges and constraints associated with the establishment and operations of the Centre. They were conducted round the Centre’s premises which included the Biotechnology laboratory, and field facilities. As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Professor B.K. Ahunu and the Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. A.B. Salifu.

The delegation expressed delight about the quality and high standard of work being undertaken at the Centre. They thanked the Centre for the warm reception and for the insight they had gained. The Director of WACCI, Professor Danquah assured the team of WACCI’s support in their efforts and urged them to work towards launching of a comprehensive programme that would address the food insecurity problem in the sub-region.