In August 1975, the African Congress of International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) had an Africa seminar in Horticulture at Kumasi in Ghana. Since there was no horticultural society in Nigeria, horticulturists from Ministries, Research Institutes and Universities that offered horticulture were invited for this seminar. These horticulturists were led by the erstwhile Executive Director of National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in person of Dr. O.O. Ojehomon. Due to large number of horticulturists from Nigeria present at this seminar, it was suggested at the seminar that Horticultural Society be established in Nigeria. After the seminar in Ghana, series of meetings were held between 1975 and 1977, these meetings culminated into a national meeting called at NIHORT, Ibadan in 1977 which was spearheaded by Dr. O.O. Ojehomon. It was at this meeting that the decision to establish Horticultural Society of Nigeria was concluded. HORTSON was founded as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in October 1977at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan by some key foundation members from diverse backgrounds – scientists, farmers, confectioners, housewives and lobby gardeners. Some of these foundation members included Dr. O.O. Ojehomon, Prof J.O Babatola, Prof J.D. Olarenwaju, Prof. T.O.C Ndubizu, Prof. M.O.A. Fawusi (Late), Prof. M.O Akoroda, Chief C.B Bankole, Prof. (Mrs) Omueti, Dr. Lanre Denton, Dr. M.O Omidiji, Dr. Ben Okigbo, Dr. N.U.J Usoroh, Mr J.G Quinn, Mr. R.O Osiaba, Mr. S.A.O Adeyemi, Prof. I.D Erinle (Late), Dr. Kehinde Ladipo (Late), Dr. C Oyolu (Late) and Chief S.A. Ajayi (Late). Their only common bond was that they made a living or derived sheer pleasure from cultivation and utilization of fruit and vegetables and ornamentals. The society was established to promote the advancement and development of science and art of all branches of horticulture in Nigeria. HORTSON is a member of the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS), the society has its member spread all over the country, about 6000 members of HORTSON are registered member of ISHS. HORTSON publications include conference proceedings (first publish in 1978), Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science (NJHS) (first publish in 1990), HORTNEWS (A newsletter of the society, first publish in May 1999), HORTMAG (Society magazine on various aspects of horticulture first published in November 2003) and HORTCALENDAR (society’s calendar, first printed in 2003). The highest honour of the society; Fellow of Horticultural Society of Nigeria (FHSN) has been awarded to well deserving individuals for their contribution towards the development of horticulture in Nigeria. The society since inception has had eleven (12) Presidents-in-Council and Secretaries General as follows:

PRESIDENT-IN-COUNCIL: Dr. O.O. Ojehomon (1977 – 1982) Prof. T.O.C Ndubizu (1982 – 1985) Dr. N.J. Usoroh (1985 – 1990) Prof. J.D Olarenwaju (1990 – 1995) Prof. J.O. Babatola (1995 – 1999) Prof. I.O.O. Aiyelaagbe (1999 – 2000) Mrs. M.A. Adejoro (2000 – 2005) Prof. M.D. Alagbejo (2005 – 2007) Dr. O.S. Adebayo (2007 – 2011) Dr. M.D. Bala Gingiyu (2011 – 2015) Dr. H.A Akintoye (2015 – 2019) Dr. Ibrahim Usman (2019 till date)

SECRETARY-GENERAL: Dr. N.J. Usoroh (1977 – 1982) Dr. J.O. Babatola (1982 – 1985) Prof. A. Adebanjo (1985 – 1990) Prof. I.O.O. Aiyelaagbe (1990 – 1997) Dr. E.I. Nwanguma (1997 – 1999) Dr. E.I. Nwanguma (1999 – 2001) Dr. K.O. Alasiri (2000 – 2003) Dr. L.O. Olajide Taiwo (2003 – 2007) Dr. H.A. Akintoye (2007 – 2009) Prof. N.I. Odiaka (2009 – 2015) Dr. Mrs. R.B Ibe (2015 – 2019) Dr. O.O. Alamu (2019 till date)