The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has welcomed a new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, who officially assumed office on December 24, 2024, in Abuja. The transition followed his appointment by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).

During the handover event at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Dr. Ogunbiyi expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of State, Mr. Abdullahi Sabi, for their warm reception. He pledged to champion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on achieving food and nutrition security, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving economic growth.

“The agricultural sector is among the top four focus areas of this administration. With my expertise in Agricultural Engineering, an open-door policy, and a dedication to innovation, we will elevate this sector to unprecedented levels,” Dr. Ogunbiyi stated.

He also called on the Ministry’s directors to collaborate closely with the ministers to realize the Ministry’s goals of ensuring food sufficiency and boosting the nation’s economy.

Outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, expressed his appreciation to the Ministry’s management and staff for their cooperation during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same support to his successor to ensure a smooth and productive transition.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing and exchange of official documents between the outgoing and incoming Permanent Secretaries, marking a new chapter in the Ministry’s leadership.

Dr. Ogunbiyi’s appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s sustainable development and economic prosperity.