Agric Week Review

Agric Week was a blast, no bombs! This year’s theme is ‘"Agriculture...the frontiers of possibilities"’. It started off with series of lectures and seminars. 

Our first guest speaker, Mrs Ofidile, is a remarkable woman with over 27 publications to her credit. She schooled in East Africa and she is also a mushroom expert. The Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Engr. Amosu graced the occasion.

Then the topic ‘'Readers are Leaders'’ was later discussed by another guest speaker named Abdul'Fatai Okanlawon, whose speech really enlightened the students. An inter gender quiz was conducted later that same day. After which, there was a film show. Students were glued to the projector screen as soon as the award-winning African movie ‘Mirror Boy’ was being played. 

The following day agric tech students went insane and invaded the streets of Lagos. It was Rag Day...…madness at its peak. The theme suggested by the vice president was Greener Pastures.

The good people and staff of Airtel were present later that evening to celebrate with the students. On Thursday, there was an excursion. Every student visited Animal Care in Ogun State.

Then Friday marked the grand finale...…the dinner night party! Before the party, there was a football match in the morning. ND1 won ND2 in the female soccer match. And as for the guys, penalty kicks were the course of the day which ended in favour of ND2 5-2. It was fun from start to finish.

To God be the glory!

'We Had To Fight For Food Without Salt' - Farmer's Quest Last Lady Standing Speaks!

Tolani (Last Lady Standing) and Ifeanyi (V.P)

 A.A.T.S Vice President did not only interview the winner of Farmer's Quest, he also had a chit-chat with the last lady standing. Enjoy the interview bellow.

Hello Tolani

Hello

Okay, so the Farmer’s Quest is over. The stress is over. Life in the jungle is over. You are back to civilization. I bet you are enjoying now. So what was the experience like when you were in the jungle?

The experience was terrible. (laughs). Like big time terrible. We had to fight for food, as in, food without salt. We did not have our bath. It was crazy. Rain fell. We were under the rain, trying to fetch fire. It was really crazy.

So what made you participate in the contest?

Actually I didn’t want to participate

Why?

I was like I can’t go for it. I knew it was going to be stressful for me. Someone purchased the form for me actually. The person encouraged me to go, and told me that I was strong.

So in other words, someone motivated you to go for it?

Yeah

And who is this person if I may ask?

Actually it is Toheeb that paid for me.

So how do you feel being the last lady standing?

It wasn’t easy. I had many competitors such as Balikis and Tosin. Actually Balikis really discouraged me. It got to a point she was behaving so weird. Even when she got evicted, she told me I couldn’t win.

Did you feel like punching her in the face?

It got to a point when I felt like that sha

And you think you would have beaten her?

She would have beaten me, but atleast I would have tried my best.

So how do feel being the last lady standing?

It is okay, in terms of popularity. People walk up to me and are like ‘you are the last lady standing’.

I have known you to be the reserved type, but you startled me on the day of the last task. When you guys were asked to climb the rope, where did the strength come from? Have you been undergoing some form of military training prior to the competition?

Actually I am this type of athletic person. Before I came to Yabatech, my church took us to a sea school. That is where they do their training for Ultimate Search too. We went through all these kind of training there. Being flexible again helped me. I am the kind of person that doesn’t eat much. So it was easy for me to climb the rope. And I like climbing things, naturally.

So what is next for Tolani being the last lady standing? What are your expectations basically?

Well I expect big from the association. Anything they bring, fine!  I will take it like that. 

Exclusive Interview With Farmer's Quest Winner - Gafaar!

What made you participate in the Farmer’s Quest contest?

I just think that I have the capacity to win this Farmer’s Quest. I tried my best and I am lucky. It made it easy for me.

What do you think about the Quest?

The Quest is really interesting and the association really tried. Also the cadets really tried. It is good.

Ok, this is the interesting part – when five of you entered into the bush to search for the quintessential hoe what was going through your mind? Did you think you would come last or be the first person to find it?

I did not think so. Ah, it is not easy. The time we were searching for the quintessential hoe, I went in with a cutlass while others used their legs to clear the pathway. I prayed to God and I was like ‘Allah please help me to see this thing’. Allah made it easy for me sha.

So the moment you found the Quintessential Hoe how did you feel?

I was really happy. (laughs). I was really happy. It is good. It is not easy to find that thing. So I was really happy when I found it.

So what are you expecting from the association now that the farmer’s quest is over? As in what are your expectations?

My expectations include; awards and other gifts. If the association can award me with something that is customized, with my name written on it, and telling everyone that I am the first person to win Farmer’s Quest Season One, I will really be happy. Some people even called me asking if I won 50,000 or 100,000. (Laughs).

The association will definitely reward you. Alright, thanks for your time Gafaar.

Thank you very much. 

Diary of a College Kid: Working Behind The Scene

(Wriiten by Ifeanyi Ibegbunam)

I am an adventure seeker like Indiana Jones. So it was a fun filled experience for me when I had to assist the production crew that filmed the Farmer's Quest reality competition in my school. As part of the organizers and planning committee, I was not just a mere spectator wandering about in the forest who took delight in watching my fellow students search for a missing farm tool. I also participated in a demonstration exercise so as to ensure that the obstacles and physical tasks being set by the army cadets were somewhat civilian friendly. So I inevitably ended up jumping tires, crossing over bamboo sticks and climbing trees with the aid of a rope. At some point I felt like Vin Diesel pulling dangerous stunts on the set of XXX. "These guys that participate in Ultimate Search dey try o" I said to myself.

 

 

When it was time to shoot, I and my colleagues had to hide in the bush like Vietnamese soldiers laying ambush, so that we won't be captured on camera. I recall during a late night shoot, the social director who is also a member of my association, stepped on a nail accidentally and it resulted to severe bleeding. Thank God we had a first-aid box. Unfortunately, the key to open the lock was kept somewhere else. So I was accompanied by an army cadet, and immediately we dashed off in search for it. Some minutes later, we arrived and made sure the victim was properly treated.

  

The burning torch at the place of the talking drum kept us warm. It was a cold night. The contestants were drenched in the rain before arriving at the location. I really admired their endurance. The anchor whom we referred to as Uncle Steve would give Chidi Mokeme a good run for his money. Honestly, he wore a very stern look on his face that succeeded in instilling fear in the mind of all the contestants. His diction could have been better though. Nobody is perfect.

  

We are in the post production phase of the project and I am most likely going to handle the narration. Our vision is to premiere the final cut in various higher institutions across the country, Farmer's Quest Season I’ may not be a high budget production as most critiques would expect. We started small. A lot of improvisation was done. However, we did not compromise standards. It can only get bigger and better.

Introducing...Farmer's Quest

Who said farmers can’t think outside the box? Innovation and creativity is power. First it was an idea conceived by an A.A.T.S executive, and now this dream is gradually unfolding into a reality.

Farmer’s Quest is a unique project spearheaded, organized and planned by the Association of Agricultural Technology Students of Yabatech (2012/2013 tenure) in association with the lecturers and army cadet of the institution. Over 30 students of the department showed interest, and only 15 students made it through to the competition.

The contestants spent 3 days in the jungle, making nature their companion, as they all embarked on a quest to find the quintessential hoe. The army cadets of the institution assisted in setting various obstacles for the contestants. A.A.T.S was behind the scene supervising the competition which was filmed. It was not a smooth journey at all.

Check out pictures bellow. 

  

 

 

 

Agric Tech Football Squad

 

Blow your vuvuzelas!! Agric Tech Football team played their debut match at this year’s Deans Cup which was held at Yabatech’s sports complex. And they also participated in the Rector’s Cup. Agric Tech vs Food Tech was a tough match. The boys brought their A-game, but penalty kicks didn’t favor us. All in all, it was a great outing. 

 

Diary of a College Kid: Farm Practice

Written by Ifeanyi Ibegbunam (V.P AATS)

 

The ‘farm’ definitely crosses our mind when we talk about Agriculture. And as a student of Agricultural Technology schooling in Yabatech, the farm is to me what a barrack is to a soldier. For us, it is cutlasses over guns, driving tractors instead of armored vehicles, broadcasting seeds rather than grenades and what not.  Although farmers and soldiers share something in common, and that is ‘discipline’.

Initially, I wasn’t a fan of waking up as early as 6am on Monday and Wednesday mornings for Farm Practice. “Not again, I don’t want to get all sweaty, covered with dirt” - that used to be the most common phrase in my soliloquies. I likened my supervisors to prison warders. They struck me as slave drivers holding imaginary whips. I felt like a Negro working on a plantation.

Well, today my perception about working on the farm has changed. I now see it as a privilege to feed my nation. However, it is still a tedious yet noble profession. It is said that with great power comes great responsibility. Agriculture is the mother of nutrition and good health. It is the pinnacle of most agro-allied and non agro-allied occupations existing today. Without establishing certain trees and plants, medicinal herbs, cotton and timber cannot be produced. Pharmaceutical industries benefit from Agriculture. Entrepreneurs, Civil Engineers, Textile and Furniture Industries also acknowledge that the importance of Agriculture to mankind cannot be over emphasized.  .

The former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, whom was once a cadet in my school, own one of the biggest farms in the country. While most of his colleagues are busy chasing oil money, he dared to be different by investing in one sector that have been underrated over the years.  As an aspiring entrepreneur in that field (i.e. Agriculture), OBJ is my role model.  I wish I would have worked at his farm during my SIWES programme later this year. I am yearning to discover the secret behind his success story. Anyway, since no man has monopoly of knowledge, I believe I will still learn a lot from the poultry and catfish farm in Lekki where I have been placed.

“What a man can do, a woman can do better” - that is probably one of a lady’s favorite pickup lines whenever she is having a heated debate or conversation with the opposite sex. During farm practice, female students somewhat shun that line. Rather, you will hear them saying stuff like “Please who will be my farm boyfriend?” (laughs). Apart from seed bed preparation, bush clearing and transplanting, ladies perform lighter tasks such as feeding livestock, cleaning the piggery, rabbitry and goat pen, while male students engage in more strenuous jobs such as cutting bamboo trees, construction of farm structures et al. Once upon a time, all the aforementioned were alien to me, now it is like a culture. It took me a while to adapt.  By the way, some of you might be wondering how I manage to juggle school with music. That is a story for another day. 

VIDEO: AATS Vice President Raps During Fresher's Party

AATS Vice President, Ifeanyi aka Fecko tha Emcee performed during the Fresher's Party that took place in the premises last semester. Watch the video bellow.

PHOTOS: Old Skool Day

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jacqueline a dull girl, right? In most Nigerian higher institutions, there is one social activity majority of students look forward to, and that is the ‘Oldskool Day’. Recently, my fellow students and I decided to showcase our whimsical dress sense, which was quite hilarious. The pictures below speak volumes of what went down.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet The A.A.T.S Excos

PRESIDENT: Adedun Omowunmi Shola

Shola aka Shoskido is an easy going lady who loves inspiring people through her speech and writing. She is a devoted Christian, and her lovely smile makes her face more radiant. Her dress code reminds you of a character from High School Musical. She is jovial, up and doing. However, she does not hesitate to scold any exco who isn't active. Hence, she is not smiling even when she is smiling.

VICE PRESIDENT: Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka Ifeanyi

He is probably the only exco whose nickname is more popular than his real name. Fecko as he is fondly called is gentle, forward thinking and an optimist. He has been tagged the cutest rapper on campus. Some people think he is not as innocent as he looks though. He is also a blogger and graphic designer. The V.P works dilligently with the president and also create awareness about our department with his skills and connection with the media. He does not like to blow trumpet to whatever he is doing because he enjoys working silently.

P.R.O: Balogun Babatunde

Ever wondered what the former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo looked like during his prime? Well, our dear P.R.O is a spitting image of OBJ. Funny enough that is his alias. He is eloquent in English and very outspoken. Tunde ensures he communicates and relates with every student when necessary. And he is very approachable.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Adeosun Damola

In every organization, the financial secretary plays a pivotal role by supplying funds to ensure that all operations run smoothly and efficiently. Of course, money is key. Damola aka Damochi is our very own Sanusi Lamido, except that the CBN governor is taller than him. He incites humor when he speaks.

GENERAL SECRETARY: Ibraheem Sarat Oyindamola

Sarat is a devoted Muslim who is mostly seen wearing hijab, however she doesn’t allow religion deter her social life. She is industrious and full of ideas. This slim young woman doesn’t like to be pushed around. She enjoys reading novels and her letter writing skills is unmatched.

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY: Sodeinde Bukola

If she is not assisting the general secretary, then she is writing minutes during meetings or in church for choir practice. Bukky is relatively reserved and quiet, and it seems the only time she is eager to talk is when she wants to lodge a complaint.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Olanrewaju Maorufat

She is the youngest exco and also one of the smartest female students in Agric Tech. Sometimes she may be nonchalant towards her job, but executes her task very well if she is really determined. Maorufat is a strong lady, no wonder she is also an army cadet in Yabatech.

TREASURER: Rufai Damilola

I know you are probably wondering if she is related to former Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai. Well, perhaps she is. After all, that surname is rare. Damilola smiles a lot just like Shola. But trust me; you don’t want to see the aggressive side of this petite and pretty lady. She keeps the association’s fund safe, despite she does not have a personal body guard.

AUDITOR: Adeshakin Opeyemi

Otoyo as he is fondly called is the most quite exco in AATS. He likes beginning most of his sentence with the interjection ‘well’ when speaks once in a blue moon. You would probably think he is whispering even when he’s shouting. This gentle man of few words ensures no money is embezzled in the association.

SOCIAL DIRECTOR: Boboye Victor

They call him Bob Noni. He tries to sneak in a slow smile once in a while. He oversees the social affairs within the school campus. He has a deep baritone voice just like that of the vice president that commands respect. Bob loves acting and he is also an ardent fan of reggae music.

WELFARE: Mrs Sholagun Enitan

Enitan aka Sister Eni as she is fondly called happens to be the only married exco and mother in AATS. Therefore, she is naturally saddled with the responsibility of taking every student’s welfare seriously. Due to her mothering abilities, she handles her job with ease. By the way, she looks to hot to be a mum.

SPORTS DIRECTOR: Onyekachi

He is AATS’ own Sir Alex Fergusson, although he hardly chews gum. Kachi is an athletic and stout looking young man who is very passionate about sports, especially football. He talks very fast, and he has the potential of being a sports commentator on TV/Radio in the future. He coordinates all  the sport activities on campus,