Lagos State University’s Centre of Excellence for Sargassum, CESAR has received high praise from dignitaries, researchers, and experts at the recently concluded Omniverse Africa 2.0 Summit, held at the Landmark Event Centre. The event with the theme: “Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration,” ran from Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to Friday, February 28, 2025.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, was among the special guests at the summit’s closing ceremony expressed delight at the university’s commitment to research excellence and commended Lagos State University, LASU for its innovative contributions.
Accompanied by Omniverse 2.0 co-convener Mr. Charles Emembolu and other esteemed guests, Mr. Ogunlende was given a tour of the exhibition by CESAR representatives, including Centre Research Secretary Dr. Morounke Saibu and Deputy Registrar/Administrative Secretary Ms. Temitope Scott.
On display at the exhibition were several CESAR products, including the Federal Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology Expo 2023 award-winning Sargassum-based animal feeds for grasscutters, fish, chickens, pigs, and rabbits. Other showcased innovations included sargassum-derived cream, soap, alginate, catfish oil, and ceiling boards, all of which have secured trademarks and copyrights.
A major highlight at the summit was a special presentation by Prof. Benjamin Aribisala, Director of CESAR, on behalf of the Lagos State Research Innovation Council (LASRIC).
Delivered by Dr. Morounke Saibu, the presentation detailed the Centre’s journey in securing LASRIC grants, its research breakthroughs, and its collaborations with local farmers, industries, and research institutes. The session, held in the Digital Transformation Room, attracted a diverse audience, including academics, SMEs, researchers, and students.
Notable attendees included Enugu State University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aloysius Michael Okolie, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology Director-General Dr. Kabir Muazu, LASRIC member Dr. Peter Bankole, LASRIC Secretariat Coordinator Mr. Alani Lateef, and CESAR Research Fellow Dr. (Mrs.) Iyabo Philips, among others.
CESAR extended its appreciation to LASRIC for its funding and acknowledged the unwavering support of LASU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, for her leadership in advancing research at the university.
Earlier, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Prof. Aribisala led the CESAR team in engaging with business owners, farmers, NGOs, and entrepreneurs on potential collaborations involving sargassum-based products. The discussions aimed at fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that would expand the applications and commercialization of CESAR’s research.
Other CESAR representatives at the event included Administrative Officer Ms. Victoria Olatunji, Ph.D. research student Mrs. Blessing Nwatulegwu, and Deputy Registrar/Media Officer Mr. Ademola Adekoya.