On 10 February 2022 the Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo-NODAI) celebrated its 130th Anniversary by holding a virtual symposium during which various stakeholders were invited to discuss on the for thematic declaration “Becoming a Pioneer in Creating New Wealth through Connections with Agriculture.” The event sought to offer an opportunity to discuss new practical science for sustainable development of mankind and the earth. H.E. Ambassador Baraka Luvanda was invited to the panel to propose a felicitation message to the University for the milestones recorded over the years and he delivered the following message: (quote):
“Konnichi wa! Jambo! Good evening!
It gives me profound pleasure to share this felicitation message with Tokyo University of Agriculture (TUA) on this auspicious occasion of 130th Anniversary. It is both an honour and privilege for me to do so, on behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
130 years of your existence is a significant number, by any standard. But more so, what is even more important and worth celebrating is the fact that the University has stood steadfast to fulfill its original mission of realizing sustainable food and agricultural production by enhancing systems for the future of our planet through comprehensive knowledge and technology sharing. And, as one of the beneficiaries of such knowledge and technology sharing, Tanzania will always cherish the noble work of this prestigious University for many years to come.
I am particularly glad to see that the cooperation framework between TUA and the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) which was established through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2009 continues to be implemented to the letter. Under this arrangement, many Tanzanian experts have been trained and have subsequently made a remarkable contribution in the sector back in Tanzania.
So, we continue to look upon TUA to scale up these opportunities as we continue to grapple with the existential challenges of underproductivity, untapped agricultural potential, food self-insufficiency, environmental degradation issues, crop health as well as value addition to our agricultural products.
As the University continues to render its noble service to the globe, may I pledge on behalf of the Government of the United Republic Tanzania our continued association with you during my tour of duty in this Great Nation and wish you greater milestones in the coming future.
Long Live TUA! Arigatou gozaimaisu, Asanteni sana, Thank you!” (End of quote)
On his part, the moderator of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Machito Mihara, Director at the Center for Global Initiatives of the University thanked Ambassador Luvanda on behalf of the University for his compliments and insightful message. He pledged on behalf of the University to maintain and to strengthen the good working relationship that exists between the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Sokoine University of Agriculture.
This colourful event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Fumio Eguchi, President of Tokyo University of Agriculture through a recorded speech and was followed by the discussions by various panelists explaining in details about research and agricultural projects in various parts of the World, including in Africa.