The Director/CEO Dr. L.N. Dongo on Monday 10^th November, 2025 received Mr. Micky Francis, the Rubber Plantation Manager in Okomu Oil Palm and Rubber Estate, Okomu-Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State who was on a courtesy visit to RRIN. On hand to receive Mr. M. Francis with the Director/CEO were members of the RRIN Management Team: Dr. F.A. Akpobome – Director/Head, Research Support Services Department; Dr. S.O. Idoko – Director/Head, Knowledge Sharing and Management Department; Dr. N.O. Ogbebor – Director/Head, Information and Documentation Department; Dr. (Mrs.) P.E. Imarhiagbe – Director/Head, Research Outreach Department; Dr. H.Y. Umar – Director/Head, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department; Dr. (Mrs.) O.A. Emuedo – Director/Head, Research Operations Department and Mr. A. Iyalekhuosa –Assistant Director/Head, Accounts and Finance Department.

Dr. L.N. Dongo welcomed Mr. M. Francis to the Institute and briefed him on the level of preparation of the Institute towards the forth coming Rubber Round Table; to be hosted by RRIN on the 25^th and 26^th November, 2025. She thanked Mr. Francis for accepting to the role of Lead Speaker at the event. The Executive Director called for more collaboration between RRIN and Okomu PLC to boost growth and profitability in the Nigerian rubber sector.

Responding, Mr. M. Francis said the intent of his coming to RRIN was to discuss possible collaboration in the areas of research and plantation establishment; assisting RRIN in laboratory upgrade; training of student/staff at doctoral level in areas of their interest, (subject to the approval of their MD); and also the possibility of providing RRIN with grants to aid research.

Mr. M. Francis was led on a guided tour of the Institute’s nursery and laboratories by Director/CEO, Dr. L.N. Dongo, accompanied by some members of RRIN Internal Management Committee. Above are picture highlights of Mr. M. Francis’s visit to RRIN.