Apeh Omede is a YPARD member from Nigeria and currently on Australian Government’s International Postgraduate Research Scholarship for a PhD study in Poultry Science at the University of New England, Australia. His interest in agriculture, research and the role both play in development was ignited in his early years as a Bachelor’s student of Animal Science and Technology. Having sat under inspiring agriculturists in their different fields of endeavours, he began to understand that the future of sustainable livelihood, poverty eradication and food security lies with the agricultural sector. He became involved as a youth in agricultural research for development by attending local and international conferences where he discussed some of his research studies and interests. 

Apeh was the Alltech’s Young Scientist (Graduate Category) for Africa/Middle East and the World’s Poultry Congress Young Scientist in 2011 and 2012 respectively. His energy is channelled towards encouraging and working with other young professionals to promote agriculture as a career choice for the future generation. Before moving to Australia, he played a vital role and inspired the creation of a local YPARD group at Kogi State University where he also holds the position of a researcher/lecturer in the Department of Animal Production. He also works closely with International Association of Agricultural and Related Sciences Students in the same University.

He has volunteered for ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ and UNDP through the UN online volunteer programme. He also participated in the GCARD2 virtual Social Media Team, which contributed to his new found interest in how youths, agricultural research for development and ICT can work together to create change for increased and sustainable food production. He currently runs a blog and other social media handles called “The Agro-Youth Centre” (http://theagroyouthcentre.wordpress.com/) dedicated and committed to helping youths decide and take actions in agriculture for development by sharing views and ideas about the potentials and opportunities that agriculture presents to youths today.

He looks forward to a future where young professionals will take their proper place in the sphere of events related to agricultural research, policy and development all over the world.