The planned 47th conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN) that was rescheduled for two times, because of insecurity issues and other challenges holds from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 September 2023 at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka. The issue of the sit-at-home clamped down in some parts of the South-eastern area of the Country was a concern to both the EXCO and LOC, and this seriously affected the planning of the conference. The LOC were so concerned about the safety and security of the delegates and as such the postponements. The new date (Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 September 2023) was later agreed upon and communicated accordingly to members and it became a reality.
The 47th annual conference was held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 September 2023. The theme of the Conference was Tropical Soil and Water Resources Management: Climate Change Mitigations for Functional Ecosystem Services and Food Security.
The 47th annual conference theme indicates the intimate relationship existing between the three co-issues of soil, water and climate, and the mismanagement of anyone among the three could be detrimental to others.
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the conference took place at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the UNN, Nsukka. The Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor, UNN, Professor Charles A. Igwe, who also is a member and fellow of the Society, gave the welcome address. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed all members of the Society and non-member participants to UNN, the lion’s den.
The President of the Society, Professor Jibrin M. Jibrin welcomes delegates from far and wide for making it to the conference after series of postponements. He appreciates the commitments of the EXCO and the firmness of the LOC for making the conference a reality. The President equally noted the contributions of the Vice Chancellor and his team for making the conference hold at this venue and as specified.
The Vice-Chancellor declared the conference open after an opening remarks from the local organizing committee (LOC) chairman, Prof. C. L. A. Asadu.
Conference participants
The Conference was conducted as a hybrid with physical and virtual participation. The participants comprised of full and student members of the Society and their collaborators and sponsors. Many dignitaries were in attendance including the President-elect of International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), Prof. Victor O. Chude, the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security; Dr. Ernest A. Umakhihe, ably represented by the Director of Agricultural Land & Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS), Mr. O. O. Oshadiya; President of SSSN, Prof. Jibrin M. Jibrin; President & Chairman of Council, Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), Prof. Ayoade O. Ogunkunle; and the Pioneer Rector, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Prof. Johnson K. Adesodun. Other prominent dignitaries in attendance were former President of SSSN, Prof. Walter O. Enwezor and the immediate past President of SSSN, Prof. Bashiru A. Raji. Corporate bodies were also represented among which were Indorama and OCP.
