What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?

I am the livestock field specialist with emphasis in small ruminants. The position is new with MU Extension, and I bring vast experience to this role. I have managed to create sheep and goat producer’s database within the region and the state, and the number is growing by the day. I facilitate a monthly sheep and goats webinar series. This platform provides timely research-based educational information to small ruminant producers across the state. I also organize programing such as field day and workshop. I work with producers that are interested in diversifying with sheep and goats and I provide resources for beginning farmers. I spend a bit of my time doing on-farm visit and assessing best management practice skills. I have a very strong background in research, so I spend time writing guide sheets and news articles on topical issues relating to small ruminant production, I likewise devote ample time applying for grant to support my program. I assist producers to formulate ration and I do individual consulting as needed. I speak at events and share my knowledge with producers across the state.

How long have you worked in this position?

I have been in this role for six months, as of December 2023.

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

Extension is all about people. Hence, my best part on this job is working with producers. I am fulfilled when producers find solution to their questions, and particularly when they adopt evidence-based information to improve their productivity. This job gives me the opportunity to impact people’s livelihood positively and that gladdens my heart.

How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?

In order to double the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030 while sustaining the state’s natural resources, I intend to work collaboratively with producers, field specialist, partners, stakeholder, farmers, innovators, consumers, and ag industry in providing needs-based educational programs locally and regionally. We can double our agricultural output when we all work together for a common goal.

What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?

Not many people know that I am an ordained minister of the gospel. I was ordained into the ministry when I was in my second year (1995) in the university (college). That was 28 years ago. I am also a missionary and I have travelled to different nations preaching the good news. I was privileged to pastor a church at the age of 20. This experience built my public speaking skills.

What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?

I am from Nigeria (West Africa). I graduated from St. Patrick Grammar School, Oyo State, Nigeria. I had my B.S and M.S degrees (Animal Science) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria before proceeding to University of Limpopo, South Africa for my doctoral program (Small Ruminant Nutrition). I was awarded a 2-year innovative scarce-skill postdoctoral fellowship by the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa. I was finishing a postdoctoral associate program with the Virginia State University, when I got this new role with University of Missouri Extension.