It was with mixed feelings on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) as the team gathered for a send-off ceremony in honor of Trent Dilka, a Fulbright researcher from the United States of America. Trent spent nine months conducting a situational analysis of urban and peri-urban agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria.
The event was graced by PiLAF staff and principal officers from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, with the Head of Department well represented. Attendees praised Trent’s ability to adapt to his environment, including the University of Ibadan community and Nigeria at large, as well as his exceptional interpersonal skills in working with the staff. He was commended for his perseverance, humility, and approachability throughout his time at PiLAF.
During the ceremony, Trent shared his positive experiences, highlighting the support, warmth, and hospitality he received from the professors and staff at PiLAF. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from everyone, noting how his time in Nigeria had profoundly changed his perspectives. He also testified to his enjoyment of Nigerian delicacies and thanked everyone for their encouragement and assistance during his research.
The PiLAF team expressed their gratitude to God for Trent’s safe and successful stay in Nigeria. The event concluded with the presentation of an award to Trent, marking a memorable end to his impactful time at PiLAF.
Below is an interview with Trent.
Below is Trent’s send off programme snippet