Dr. Augustine E. Okoruwa
President,
Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA)
Dr Augustine Ehimen OKORUWA obtained his first degree in Food Science and Technology from the University Jos (Makurdi Campus, now Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), Masters and Doctorate degrees in Food Technology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has garnered over 25years experience in food quality, postharvest technologies, food products research and development in both the private and public sectors. His career has focused on value addition and postharvest loss reduction strategies through development of food processing and utilization technologies for improved nutrition for households; new food products development from idea to market for income generation by individuals, entrepreneurs, agro-processors and private business concerns. He has vast experience in good manufacturing practices, quality assurance, food safety and hygiene and regulatory affairs management. He has worked with a range of organizations. He spent about 12 years working at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan where he developed, demonstrated, promoted and conducted several Trainings of Trainers workshops on processing and utilization technologies for Maize, Cassava, Soybean, Cowpea and Yam in Nigeria and other African Countries. He later spent about 11 years in the food industry sector in Nigeria in various capacities: Product Development Manager (Foods) at Evans Medical Plc.; Head of Technical, Research and Development at UAC of Nigeria Plc.; Group Head, Research and Development at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.; Technical Manager, Africa and Technical Lead-African Nutrition Ventures at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc where he led R&D management, developed and launched several new products. He also served as an independent Consultant to Complete Foods Limited, Ibadan where he provided Technical and Management advisory services.
Dr Okoruwa joined the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in 2016 as Project Manager, PLAN has been leading the implementation of GAIN’s new initiative on reducing postharvest losses and waste in key nutritious commodities and value chains while contributing to shaping GAIN’s broader agriculture and nutrition agenda in Nigeria.
Dr Okoruwa is a Member of the Board of Trustees and the pioneer President of OTACCWA-The Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa. He is a Certified Food Scientist (CFS), a professional member of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (MNIFST) and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (MIPAN).
Dr Okoruwa is married to Mrs. Christianah Okoruwa and are blessed with three children-Daniel, David and Victor