GRC expands facilities for cryobanking and conservation
On 19 May, IITA Genetic Resources Center (GRC) inaugurated its revamped, ultra-modern gene bank and office complex at the Institute’s headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. The new building provides more workspace and facilities for cryobanking—the long-term conservation of crops such as cassava, maize, plantain and banana, cowpea, soybean, yam, and some of the important underutilized crops of Africa.
IITA DG Nteranya Sanginga commissioning the new GRC building. Photo: IITA
During the celebration, Hilde Koper, IITA Deputy Director General for Cooperate Services, hailed the building project as a huge milestone, achieved despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “IITA keeps moving forward and improving with inner energy like solar energy and modern office blocks, which is a good achievement for everybody,” she said.
Michael Abberton, Head of GRC, said the building’s design is ecologically friendly with solar power to reduce electricity costs. “I hope this will attract people who have an interest in genetics, genetics resources, conservation resources, and utilization for food security in Africa,” he stated.
Director IITA-West Africa and GRC Head, Michael Abberton gives DG Sanginga a tour of the new facilities. Photo: IITA
During an interview, Waheed Quader, Head of Facilities Management Services (FMS)—a principal facilitator of the project—shared his experience throughout the building process. He explained how challenging it was to build the structure on an existing terrace. “Our main aim was to build a greener side of the structure as we are moving to more efficient building,” he said.
Olaniyi Oyatomi, IITA Seed Bank Manager, explained that the building project is in line with IITA’s mission of putting the right facilities together towards fulfilling the goal of fighting hunger and poverty in Africa. He also highlighted the challenge for staff to utilize these facilities to move forward and make IITA genebank the best in CGIAR.
Building hallway illuminated by a transparent roof. Photo: IITA
Nteranya Sanginga, IITA Director General, congratulated Abberton, his team, and FMS on their success. He summarized his philosophy on the power of leadership in two major pillars: people and infrastructure. He stated that people are “built” first because it is the people who will build the infrastructure. “Once you have people with confidence, they start producing. Hence, they will need more equipment and space, which led to this expansion,” he added.
Closing the celebration, Kofoworola Ajani, Research Technician, appreciated the DG for the opportunity given to the Unit for expansion and encouragement that contributed to the project’s success.
