By Ayo Oyoze Baje
As it plays out in most organizations -both public and private – it is always a moment of both commendations and sober reflection when a highly resourceful mentor bows out of active service. More so, after years , or even decades of meritorious service to the group under review. So it is for the Nigeria Soybean Association, NSA with specific regards to Dr. Kenton Dashiell, the Deputy Director General, Partnership and Capacity Building of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA.
Worthy of note is that he has significantly contributed to the development of the Soybean Value Chain, not only here in Nigeria or the African continent but the entire soybean belt globally. His remarkable and unrelenting efforts in this regardless beginning in the early ’80s led to the formation of the Nigeria Soybean Association, NSA. Furthermore, his undisputed firefight gave birth to the Tropical Oil Seed Journal of which he became the Editor-in-Chief. To strengthen his beacon-beaming legacy his vast experience in the IDRC Project ( Processing and Utilization) brought to bear the positive impact made in the fertile field of the nutritional application and value of soybean. Eventually, it became accepted across the country which led to the increase in its production nationwide.
Of great significance is that Dashiell was also instrumental of the prototype process and utilization of soybeans at College level, one which was cited at Tunga Maje in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja as a test case . And it led to the formation of the now popular Women in Agriculture,WiA. In specific term, his wealth of led to the development of the first commercialized soybean variety -TGX 1448-2E. That feat was achieved in collaboration with notable scientists- Prof.Peter Oyegbade Oyekkan, Prof. David Kolawole Ojo and Dr. Ayodele Christopher Uwala.
In fact, according to the National President of the NSA,Chief Uwala,: ” The strength behind the successes so far recorded by the Nigeria Soybean Association is incomplete without referring to his moral and financial supports.
He will definitely be remembered for all he has contributed to the development of soybeans for four decades, leading to the implementation of the increase in the protein intake amongst poor resourced farm families, particularly in IDP camps. We shall surely miss him”. Well stated, we must agree But going a step forward, what lessons can we as individuals, groups, communities and countries glean from Dashiell’s career trajectory? That is the million naira question. But the answer is not far-fetched.
Periscoped from the leadership perspective there is a lot to learn from this globally recognized scientist and erudite researcher. One of the unfailing factors his illustrious life has amply demonstrated is that of vision. The other is the display of creative ingenuity. With full focus, added to pragmatic partnership and team work with like minds who share in the same vision, we are good to go.
Indeed, Nigerians should, and must begin to learn that leadership is not all about being in politics. No! With vision, you get to know and map out your path in your professional calling as Dashiell has rightly done in the promotion of soybean to unleash its vast economic and nutritional potentials. From production to processing, preservation and getting it right to the doorstep of the consumers great impact has been made on the quality of life of the beneficiaries. But that is not all there is to the impact one can make in his chosen career.
The next bold step to take is to bring out the best in what we do. Creativity, innovation and That clearly explains the development of the soybean variety TGX 1448-2E. The truth is that he did not do it all alone but in partnership with like minds such as Oyekan, Ojo and of course,Uwala. That inspiring scenario therefore, reminds us of the wise words of the American businessman, Sam Walton who stated that:” Individuals do not win, but teams do”. That is exactly how success evolves. But there is more to it than we care to admit. And that is playing our roles as individuals while having a view of the larger picture of whatever we intend to achieve.
From that standpoint, we must appreciate the untiring efforts of the Uwala-led NSA for not only keying into the vision of boosting both food and nutritional security but broadening the spectrum to deliver the goods to those who matter most-the hounded and hungry victims of insecurity, hunger and malnutrition there in IDP camps. This is a humanistic approach to leadership and highly appreciated.
So, as we bid Dashiell “goodbye” we not only commend his outstanding leadership qualities of selflessness, foresight and innovation but urge all others to borrow fresh leaves from his decades of service not only to Nigeria and the Africa but to humanity as a whole.
Now is the time for us all to remember and apply the admonition from Mark Sanborn that: ” We don’t need a title to be a leader”. Let us play our parts the best way we can as Dr. Kenton Dashiell, the American-born scientist with Ph.D in Plant breeding from the University of Florida has rightly done.