Madame Monica Geingos to Visit FUNAAB in Strategic Africa-Focused Mission

Abeokuta — The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) will host Her Excellency Madame Monica Hage Geingos, Namibia’s Third First Lady, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, as part of a week-long engagement in Ogun State that aims to deepen educational, agricultural and leadership partnerships across Africa.

Madame Geingos — a lawyer, entrepreneur and founder of the One Economy Foundation, widely recognised for her work on youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion and financial literacy — will lead a distinguished delegation to the university. The visit underscores FUNAAB’s rising profile as a major centre for agricultural research, innovation and capacity building on the continent.

University officials said the delegation will be received by Vice‑Chancellor Professor Babatunde Kehinde and members of the University Management. Discussions are expected to centre on FUNAAB’s role in food security, agricultural transformation, research-driven solutions for sustainable development, and programmes aimed at empowering young people and strengthening regional value chains.

“This visit presents an opportunity to showcase our research, academic programmes and strategic interventions that support agricultural productivity and community development in Nigeria and beyond,” a FUNAAB spokesperson said.

Madame Geingos’ work has attracted international attention for promoting entrepreneurship initiatives and economic opportunity for vulnerable groups in Namibia and other African countries. Through the One Economy Foundation and other platforms, she has campaigned for financial literacy, job creation and inclusive growth — issues that dovetail with several of FUNAAB’s teaching and outreach priorities.

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While in Ogun State, the Namibian delegation will also meet prominent Nigerian leaders and institutions. The itinerary includes a call on former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR — a key figure in Nigeria’s agricultural policy and regional diplomacy — as well as engagements with the state’s governor, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, and traditional rulers, including the Alake of Egbaland and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom. The schedule further lists visits to selected cultural centres and institutions across the state.

Local and university stakeholders say the week’s programme is designed to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen pan‑African networks and explore collaborative projects in agriculture, education, leadership development and social entrepreneurship.

The FUNAAB community has been urged to welcome the delegation as the visit is expected to accelerate collaborative opportunities between Nigeria and partners in southern Africa, and to spotlight homegrown research that can inform continental responses to food insecurity and youth unemployment.