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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – Professor Jonathan Atungwu of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB), has commended the South-West Director of KickStart International, Mr. Hussein Abdullahi, for his initiative to explore a prospective partnership on the adoption and maintenance of innovative farm irrigation devices designed for smallholder farmers.
According to a release e-signed and made available to StarTrend Int’l Magazine by the Head of the College’s Public Relations Department, Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi, Professor Atungwu made the remark while welcoming the KickStart International team to the College on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during a product demonstration session.
The Provost praised the company for its interest in partnering with the College, describing the innovation as timely and well aligned with FCAIB’s commitment to promoting green and sustainable agriculture.
He explained that the initiative supports the College’s vision of enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing operational costs, addressing manpower limitations and ensuring efficient irrigation, particularly during the dry season.
He added that such collaborations would open doors for applied research, student training and technology transfer, thereby strengthening modern agricultural practices.
Professor Atungwu assured that the College Management would carefully examine the proposal and recommendations presented by KickStart International with a view to establishing a partnership that would further advance the institution’s mandate in agricultural training, research and extension services.
The product demonstration, which took place at the College Horticulture Farm, featured KickStart’s manually operated irrigation and wetting devices developed to improve ease of use, durability and efficiency in farm operations.
The devices, produced with anti-rust inner frames, replaceable components and supported by a one-year warranty, are designed to provide cost-effective and sustainable irrigation solutions, especially during the dry season.
While demonstrating the equipment, Mr. Abdullahi traced the history of KickStart International to its origins in Florida, United States, under the vision of Mr. Fisher.
He disclosed that the organisation currently operates in 17 African countries, including Nigeria, with its national headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, and zonal directors across the country.
Mr. Abdullahi expressed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with FCAIB, noting that KickStart International has partnered with institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and the University of Ibadan.
He said the aim is to improve food security and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the South-West region, including Kwara State.
Mr. Abdullahi further explained that the devices showcased included a 30-litre capacity Starter Pump and a 60-litre capacity Max Pump, both designed to deliver efficient and time-saving irrigation through even water distribution.
The Max Pump, he added, is capable of irrigating between two and 2.5 acres of farmland within an hour, depending on water availability, and is equipped with a built-in sieve to prevent blockages, even when using murky water.
At the end of the event, the College received a 30-litre capacity Starter Pump as a goodwill gift from KickStart International.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the institution, the Head of Public Relations, Mrs. O. Wilson, expressed appreciation to the company and wished the visiting team a safe return journey.
Present at the event were the Provost, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu; Dean, School of Agriculture, Mrs. Modupe Sodamola; Head, Floriculture Unit, Mrs. Sarah O. Ojo; Head, Pomology Unit, Mr. O. Sadare; Head, Public Relations Unit, Mrs. O. Wilson; as well as lecturers and students.
