In attendance of this year's Tropentag is the oldest among all other participants, Dr. Rainer Zachmann, a retired German phytopathologist. Earlier on in his research life, he worked for the CIP from the years 1973-1989. With his passion for developing countries, he worked for IITA also as a phytopathologist from 1989 to where he was mobile throughout sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, among others.

Dr. Zachmann did not only work as a researcher in Africa but also availed himself as a trainer on all aspects of most valuable food crops in Africa such as maize, cassava, and yam. During this time, he developed research tours and conducted several workshops with the aim of improving agriculture in Africa. Dr. Zachmann spent close to a decade in Ibadan, Nigeria and due to his friendly manner he was fully integrated in his Nigerian community in Ibadan where he was named "Akinkanju" which literally means "warrior".

During the oral presentation sessions earlier today at the AUD E2, Dr. Zachmann was the fifth to give a presentation. It was obvious that the audience were tired and bored already. In the quest to revive the tired audience, Dr. Zachmann greeted the audience in four different languages which then sparked inspiration in the audience. This indeed justified that there is a true hero in the house.

In a dialogue with Dr. Zachmann, he revealed to us his impression that Tropentag is an interesting and very relevant activity and then praised the orgainizers of this event. With a form of motivational words for the up and coming scientists who are attending this year's Tropentag, Dr. Zachmann said "When I see these young scientists, I have hope again for our world".

Dr. Zachmann's contribution to science and humanity is unmeasurable. From all of us at Tropentag 2018, we say congratulations! Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Felicitaciones! Toutes nos felicitations! Parabens! Ku oriire! Ayekoo! Selamat!