President Tinubu Appoints Anambra APC Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike as Chairman Governing Board, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike
In a significant development for Anambra State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Chief Sir Basil Ejidike, the Chairman of the APC in Anambra State, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike. The appointment, which was formalized in a letter dated March 28, 2025, highlights the president’s ongoing recognition of the contributions of political leaders from various regions, particularly those who have demonstrated commitment to party goals and national development.
The appointment, effective from March 26, 2025, is a call to national service, reflecting the growing role of Anambra State in national governance and the prominence of the APC in the region. As the Chairman of the Governing Board of NRCRI, Chief Ejidike will be expected to play a pivotal role in the advancement of research and development in the agricultural sector, specifically in the area of root crops, which are essential to Nigeria’s food security and agricultural sustainability.
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This appointment is not just a personal achievement for Chief Basil Ejidike but also a major victory for Anambra State. It underscores the recognition of Anambra’s political leadership and the importance of the state within the broader context of national development. By appointing Chief Ejidike to such an influential position, President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear appreciation of the political contributions of Anambra leaders, especially in the context of the APC.
Since the inception of Tinubu’s administration, Anambra State has seen a series of appointments that have strengthened the relationship between the state and the federal government. Chief Ejidike’s appointment adds to this growing list, which further consolidates the influence of the APC in the southeastern region. The leadership of the APC in Anambra has been strengthened under Chief Ejidike’s stewardship, and his appointment to NRCRI represents a further elevation of the party’s profile and influence at the national level.
In response to the announcement, Chief Basil Ejidike expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the honor bestowed upon him. The APC Anambra Chairman acknowledged that the appointment was not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the collective efforts of the APC in Anambra State. He noted that the appointment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the party members and leaders in the state, who have worked tirelessly to promote the ideals of the APC.
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Chief Ejidike described the appointment as a beautiful addition to the growing list of presidential appointments to Anambra State and the APC. He emphasized that this development reflects the appreciation of President Tinubu for the contributions of both the leaders and the members of the APC in Anambra. This, according to Ejidike, further reinforces the strong partnership between the party at the state level and the presidency.
The Anambra APC Chairman reassured President Tinubu of the continued support of the people of Anambra and the state chapter of the APC. He reiterated that Anambra remains firmly committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which aims to address the various challenges facing Nigeria while fostering economic growth and national unity. Ejidike also emphasized the pivotal role that the agricultural sector, particularly research in root crops, will play in the realization of this vision.
The National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, is a critical institution in Nigeria’s agricultural research landscape. Its primary focus is on the research and development of root crops such as cassava, yam, sweet potato, and cocoyam, which are vital to the Nigerian economy. These crops are staples in the diets of millions of Nigerians and are crucial for food security and rural livelihoods.
Under the leadership of Chief Ejidike, the NRCRI is expected to continue its important work of improving the productivity and sustainability of these crops, while also fostering innovation in agricultural practices. The institute’s work is key to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural agenda, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports, promote self-sufficiency, and empower rural communities.
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As the new Chairman of the Governing Board, Chief Ejidike’s experience as a leader in Anambra’s political landscape will be invaluable in driving the institute’s research initiatives forward. His understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers, particularly in the southeastern region, will be instrumental in ensuring that the research conducted at NRCRI is both practical and impactful.
Root crops, particularly cassava and yam, are some of Nigeria’s most important agricultural commodities. They are not only essential for food security but also serve as raw materials for various industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. Research into improving the yield, disease resistance, and processing of these crops is essential for the country’s agricultural transformation.
The NRCRI plays a crucial role in this regard. Its work supports the Nigerian government’s efforts to increase agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the value chain of root crops. With Chief Ejidike at the helm of the institute’s Governing Board, there is potential for increased focus on innovation in the root crop sector, which could contribute to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in rural areas.
Chief Ejidike’s appointment also underscores the ongoing commitment of Anambra State to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The agenda, which focuses on restoring hope to Nigerians through economic reforms, security improvements, and infrastructural development, has garnered strong support from APC members across the country, including in Anambra.
Anambra State has traditionally been a stronghold for the opposition, particularly in the southeastern region. However, under the leadership of Chief Ejidike and other APC leaders, the party has made significant inroads in the state. Ejidike’s appointment to the NRCRI Governing Board further strengthens the APC’s position in the region, highlighting the growing influence of the party and the state’s commitment to the national agenda.
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As the chairman of the APC in Anambra, Chief Ejidike has worked tirelessly to ensure that the party remains united and focused on its goals. His appointment to a key national institution like the NRCRI is a recognition of his leadership abilities and the trust that President Tinubu has placed in him.
The appointment of Chief Basil Ejidike as Chairman of the Governing Board of NRCRI is a step forward for both the APC in Anambra and the broader agricultural development agenda in Nigeria. His leadership at the institute will bring a fresh perspective to the challenges faced by Nigeria’s root crop sector. With his background in political leadership, Chief Ejidike is well-positioned to advocate for policies and initiatives that will benefit not only the agricultural sector but also the broader Nigerian economy.
The National Root Crops Research Institute, under his leadership, can expect to see renewed efforts in areas such as agricultural research funding, innovation in crop breeding, and increased collaboration with international agricultural bodies. These efforts will be crucial in ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in the global agricultural market and that the country can meet its growing food security needs.
Moreover, Chief Ejidike’s appointment will likely serve as a catalyst for further presidential appointments from Anambra, which could lead to even greater political cohesion and development in the southeastern region. As more APC leaders from Anambra are recognized for their contributions to national service, the state’s influence within the party and the broader national landscape will continue to grow.
In conclusion, the appointment of Chief Sir Basil Ejidike as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, is a landmark moment for both Anambra State and the APC. It reflects the ongoing recognition by President Tinubu of the state’s political leadership and the significant role that Anambra plays in national development.
As Chief Ejidike assumes this important role, he is expected to bring his wealth of experience and leadership skills to the NRCRI, helping to drive agricultural innovation and contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. His appointment is a testament to the growing influence of Anambra State in national politics and a sign of the strengthened relationship between the state and the federal government.
The APC, under the leadership of Chief Ejidike, remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria. The people of Anambra, through their support of the Renewed Hope Agenda, will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the country.
