NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Wike renames Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu
Metro

Wike renames Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu

149 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made this known during the unveiling of the rehabilitated centre by Tinubu in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of activities to celebrate the president’s second year in office.

He also named some of the halls after Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speakers of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas.

This, according to him, is to thank them for supporting the FCT Administration and demonstrate the cordial working relationship, among the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislative arms of government.

He recalled that the conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government, adding that the centre has not been rehabilitated since then.

He said that Tinubu, in line with his “Renewed Hope Agenda”, gave the order to rehabilitate the centre, following the dilapidated state of the conference centre.

Wike added that following Tinubu’s quality leadership, the matching order has transformed the edifice to a befitting conference centre, which demonstrated that Nigeria was truly the giant of Africa.

“Today Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is a match with any other international conference centre in the world,” he said.

The minister, however, said that to maintain the facility, everybody that intends to use the conference centre must pay.

“I want to let everybody know, whether you are a ministry; whether you are an agency, if you want to use this you have to pay something.

“That is the only way it can be sustained.

“Nothing like my brother, my sister has a wedding. If you want to use such a beautiful place, then you must pay something,” he added.

Wike said that the centre was handed over to a politician to manage and he killed the place.

He added that when the FCT Administration took over the edifice to rehabilitate it, the politician dragged the FCT Administration to court amidst other pressures from politicians.

He thanked Tinubu for encouraging him to go ahead with the rehabilitation and ignore the distractors saying, “if not for your kind of person, we would not have done this work.

“We thank God for showing that leadership.

“This is because our problem is leadership. If you have the right leadership, things will get done and that is what you have shown us”.

Tinubu, who described Wike as a transformative leader, noted the dilapidated state of the centre when he visited the centre to attend the ECOWAS Parliament.

“It was a very dirty, disorganised, uninhabitable environment.

“Aside from the side talk I had with the Senate President, I turned to Wike and said this conference centre is not reflecting who we are. Have we sunk this low?

“He said no, but bear with us, we will do whatever we can do to transform the place. You won’t come back to find it in a dilapidated state and today I am very happy.

“I am greatly honoured and happy to be here to reopen this international conference centre as part of our determined efforts to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirit.

“That is who we are, and I am glad that you, Nyesom Wike, is reflecting that,” the president said.

Tinubu urged Wike not to pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders, “whatever they say, continue to do your good work.

“You are a transformational leader, you have the foresight, the vision and the determination to succeed. Thank you very much”.

On his part, Akpabio commended Wike for the renovation, rehabilitation, and transformation of the international conference centre.

“We are proud of the fact that we do the budgeting, we give the approvals, and you do the execution.,” he said.

NAN reports that the centre, built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in 1990 and completed in time for the 1991 OAU Heads of Government meeting, has long served as a venue for government functions, international summits, exhibitions, and corporate events. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

PDP stakeholders, leaders reaffirm Anyawu as substantive National Secretary
Politics

PDP stakeholders, leaders reaffirm Anyawu as substantive National Secretary

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By Philip Yatai

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’ Eminent Stakeholders and Concerned Leaders have reaffirmed Sen. Sam Anyawu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of the party.

The stakeholders made the reaffirmation in a communique in Abuja on Monday, after a closed-door meeting to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis affecting the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders and the concerned leaders were drawn from the various states of the federation.

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who read the communique said that Anyawu’s reaffirmation followed the resolutions of the stakeholders, in line with the Judgment of the Supreme Court.

Wike explained that the meeting was organised to review the state of affairs of the party and the need to reinforce internal democracy, equity and justice within the ranks of the party.

He said that the stakeholders resolved that the seemingly intractable crisis in the party was as a result of the inexplicable refusal of a few to adhere to the party’s constitution.

He particularly referred to Section 36(1) (a) (b) and (c); Sections 47(3)(5) and 48(1)(i) and the definitive Supreme Court Judgment regarding the position of the office of the national secretary of the party.

The minister expressed the stakeholders’ worry that the party was on an inevitable path to self- annihilation.

This, he said, was only feasible, if urgent steps were not taken to rein in the desperate, divisive and selfish tendencies that brought the party to its knees in the lead up to the 2023 election.

He added that the divisive tendencies, unfortunately, have found expression in the conduct of certain interests within the ranks of the party both at National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees levels.

The minister added that to finally arrest the inexorable drift towards extinction in the party, the PDP must, without further delay, respect the judgment of the Supreme Court.

“We, therefore, unequivocally reaffirm Sen. Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of our great party.

“In line with the provisions of our party constitution, only the National Secretary, Anyanwu, can issue notices of meeting of the National Convention, NEC, National Caucus and the NWC.

“To this end, all notices not issued by him and actions founded on them, including correspondences to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

“Furthermore, it is clear from the constitution that only the National Convention, properly and duly constituted can remove Anyanwu as the national secretary, arising from his status as a member of the NEC of the party.

“We, therefore, demand that the acting National Chairman and the National Secretary jointly issue a notice to INEC with an attached agenda for the NEC meeting of the party, being the only pathway to abide by extant laws.

Wike reiterated the stakeholders’ commitment to the great party and urged all members to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional mandate.

He also called on members of the party to resist all manoeuvres aimed at destabilising the party and support the efforts of the National Reconciliation Committee headed by Sen. Bukola Saraki.

The minister further said the stakeholders had resolved that the party must make an unequivocal pronouncement, zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections.

“This is in the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles and respect for our party constitution, after the unbroken years of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the north,” Wike said.

NAN reports that some of the stakeholders at the meeting included former Gov. Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu, former Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

Also at the meeting were the National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Philip Aduda.

Former federal and state lawmakers and some zonal and state party executives among others equally attended the meeting. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Iran, China launch 2nd phase of joint archaeological studies
Foreign

Iran, China launch 2nd phase of joint archaeological studies

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The second phase of the joint Iranian-Chinese archaeological investigations has officially begun at the historic village of Masouleh in northern Iran, as reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The international research effort aims to deepen understanding of ancient sponge iron smelting and to support Masouleh’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The ongoing research also seeks to complete critical documentation for the registration of Masouleh’s cultural landscape on the World Heritage List.

The core focus of this phase is to examine the evolution and spread of sponge iron smelting technologies across historical periods and their integration into the built environment of Masouleh.

The aim is to reconstruct the historical interconnection between industrial activity and the residential fabric of Masouleh.

The research team is exploring how metallurgical zones functioned within and alongside one of Iran’s most distinctive human settlements.

The second phase of research combines targeted excavations at known metallurgical sites with rigorous cross-referencing of archaeological findings against Islamic-era travelogues, ancient geographical manuscripts, and local historical archives.

Cutting-edge scientific methods such as radiocarbon (C-14) and luminescence dating will be used to create a reliable chronological framework for Masouleh’s industrial and domestic development.

According to experts, the outcomes of this collaborative research will be instrumental in advancing Masouleh’s UNESCO nomination dossier, positioning it as a rare example of an integrated industrial-residential cultural landscape. (TV BRICS/NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries
Foreign

Brazil proposes priorities for professional education in BRICS countries

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Members of the BRICS Bloc are taking steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key tool for sustainable socio-economic development, according to the official website of the Brazilian Government.

The Brazilian Ministry of Education hosted a meeting of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS TCA), which discussed expanding access to education, innovation, and training for skills in demand in the labour market.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Education, scientific institutions and international organisations of the BRICS countries.

The participants exchanged experiences in implementing vocational education programmes and identified priorities for further cooperation.

Francisco Figueiredo, Special Advisor to the Brazilian Minister of Education, emphasised the importance of the group as a platform for exchanging policies and best practices and establishing direct links between relevant
institutions in the participating countries.

Marcelo Bregagnoli, State Secretary for Technological and Professional Education of the Brazilian Ministry of Education, noted a significant increase in the number of students in this field. According to the 2024 census, more than 2.5 million schoolchildren are enrolled in secondary vocational education programmes, of which more than 1.5 million are in public institutions.

The meeting participants identified three priority areas: ensuring the quality and accessibility of education for young people, enhancing the role of vocational education in the economic development of BRICS countries.

It also underscored the introduction of new technologies and innovative methods in education as one of the priority areas.

Chinese representative Zhai Jinming noted that BRICS TCA has become an important platform for deepening cooperation between countries in the field of vocational education.

He expressed confidence that student and teacher exchanges as well as joint research and training programmes will expand.

Representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE also participated in the discussions. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

PDP ‘ll survive its current adversity – Wike
Politics

PDP ‘ll survive its current adversity – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would survive its current adversity.

Wike stated this when he hosted the party’s stakeholders under the aegis of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, in Abuja on Monday.

Some of the stakeholders included former Gov. Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu, former Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

Also at the meeting were the National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Philip Aduda.

Former federal and state lawmakers and some zonal and state party executives among others equally attended the meeting.

The minister, while addressing the stakeholders emphasised that the PDP should not be allowed to die, describing the concerned stakeholders as those who believe in the survival of the party.

“All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party, not just talking on television or in the newspapers, but committed to the party at various levels,” he said.

He argued that the activities of the G5 Governors had stabilised the country, stressing the need to respect the constitutions of the party and Nigeria.

“You may like us, you may hate us; the truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis.

“It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was, but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision.

“We have continued to emphasise that the party’s constitution and that of the country should be respected.

“If the party had listened to what we said, we wouldn’t have been where we are today,” he said.

Wike stressed that as an opposition party, members of the PDP should not continue to act with impunity, adding that no opposition party acts with impunity.

“Ours is to continue to pacify people and bring them together and desist from saying that they should go to hell.

“Let us not allow greed; let us not allow ego to kill out party,” he advised

On his part, Ortom noted that he who pays the piper dictates the tune and challenged anyone in Nigeria to tell Nigerians who has contributed to the growth of the PDP more than Wike.

He said that President Bola Tinubu understands that the country should not be a one-party state, which was why he appointed Wike as the FCT minister.

“For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes and that is why we are where we are today”, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama

CDS seeks more literature on military to inspire younger generation
General News

CDS seeks more literature on military to inspire younger generation

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By Amen Gajira

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for more books written on the military so as to inspire the younger generation to join the Armed Forces to serve Nigeria together.

Musa made the call during the public presentation and launch of a book titled: ‘Professionalism and Service to Fatherland: The Military Heroes of Southern Kaduna’.

The book, written by Pastor Agat Nkut in honour of retired military officers from Southern Kaduna, was launched on Sunday in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

 Represented by Maj.-Gen. Henry Yanet, the defence chief stated that writing books on the military was a noble idea that ought to be embraced by all and sundry.

He commended the author for documenting the contributions of retired Southern Kaduna military officers to national stability.

“We encourage people to write about the military because if we don’t tell our story hardly anybody will tell it for us,” he stated.

In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, described the book as a landmark of patriotism.

He commended the initiative for preserving the legacies of Southern Kaduna veterans and called on retired military to remain engaged in national development and peace building.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Jerry Adams, said the book served as a reminder of the integral role retired Southern Kaduna officers had played in fostering unity, patriotism and resilience.

Adams stated that service to the nation was not a role confined to the uniformed officers but extends to everyone.

“As we navigate the complexities of security in our area, we must continue to look to the example set by our retired officers.

“Their commitment to professionalism and their tireless efforts to maintain peace is an inspiration to us all,” he added.

On his part, Prof. Ayuba Kwasau, the book reviewer, explained that the 466-page book, containing five chapters, paid tributes to retired officers from Southern Kaduna and their invaluable contributions.

Kwasau lauded the author’s meticulous research, historical insight and engaging narrative style.

He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the exemplary service of the military heroes profiled in the book. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs 
Metro

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs 

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By Angela AtaboThe Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) in collaboration with Near  Foundation, an NGO, has distributed meat to 150 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The beneficiaries were selected from Waru and Yimuthu IDP camps in the nation’s capital.

Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim, Head, Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMD, said during the distribution of three kilogrammes of meat to each of the IDPs, that the gesture was to show love to vulnerables people.

Ibrahim said that the annual gesture, being facilitated by Near Foundation, was part of efforts to leave no one behind during Sallah celebrations.

She thanked NEAR Foundation for the commitment to reach out to the less privileged in the society.

“We are doing this to show the IDPs that FEMD and Near Foundation love and care for them.

“I called on well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture and reach out to people in need,” she said.

Earlier, the Project Manager of the foundation, Mr Aliyu Harande, said that the Sallah meat package was to give back to the society.

‘There are so many people that cannot afford food to eat, water to drink or meat to cook during festive season.

“Nigerians should always look out for such people and extend a hand of love and compassion.

“Yes, we have given them meat, but it is not enough. Meat will finish after a day or two,” Harande said.

An IDP in Waru camp, Ms  Leilatu Abubakar, thanked FEMD and the foundation for remembering and reaching out to them.

Another IDP, Mrs Christy Dauda, thanked the organisers for remembering them and called on other Nigerians to emulate the gesture.

“I cannot remember the last time I ate meat but today I have meat and I thanked all those who provided it for us.

“May God bless them,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Philip Yatai

GSS Ilorin class of ‘91 preaches peace, patriotism at Sallah
General News

GSS Ilorin class of ‘91 preaches peace, patriotism at Sallah

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By Taiye Agbaje

The 1991 Set of Government Secondary School (GSS) Ilorin Old Students’ Association has called on members and Nigerians, at large, to be peaceful and patriotic as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

The National Chairman of the association, Mr Moshood Sayi, gave the charge in his Sallah Message made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was titled: “Happy Eid-El-Kabir  to All Our GSS Ilorin 1991 Set.”

Sayi, who is an engineer and a staff of University of Ilorin, urged everyone to inculcate the practice of tolerance and sacrifice as exemplified in the Holy Book.

“On behalf of myself and the executives of GSS Ilorin 1991 Set, I am felicitating with all Muslims on Eid El Kabir celebration.

“While underscoring and imbibing the tenets of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael, I implored all to inculcate the practice of tolerance, perseverance and sacrifice in strengthening peace, harmonious living and patriotism in the state and the country at large.

“I pray to Allah to continue to elevate us all in our respective places of work and businesses, and may we witness more years of the celebration on earth.” he said.

GSS Ilorin, which was established in 1914, was the oldest secondary school in the old northern Nigeria with a watchword: “No Struggle, No Success.” (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Sallah: DFAM seeks Northern leaders’ collective action against drug abuse
Defence/Security

Sallah: DFAM seeks Northern leaders’ collective action against drug abuse

199 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM), has called on Northern leaders to join forces in combating the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.

The Lead Convener of DFAM, Ibrahim Yusuf made the call in his Sallah message to commemorate the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir on Friday in Abuja.

Yusuf highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on the region, citing its effects on sustainable development, social vices, mental health crises, and the youth.

He noted that the region’s future was being ravaged by the epidemic, with countless young people stranded, addicted and unemployed.

“I heartily congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah, particularly our resilient people across Northern Nigeria, on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

“May this sacred festival of sacrifice remind us all of the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion in our daily lives.

“However, while we celebrate, we must not turn a blind eye to the growing devastation ravaging our region, the menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“This epidemic is silently slaughtering the region’s future. It has crippled sustainable development, unleashed terrifying waves of social vices, increased mental health crises, and left countless young people, our greatest asset, stranded, addicted, unemployed, and broken,” he said.

Yusuf said that DFAM was not just sounding the alarm, but also actively building hope.

He said that the organisation was working with communities, schools, families, religious institutions, and young people across Northern Nigeria to drive drug demand reduction efforts rooted in realities.

He said that DFAM was creating pathways of transformation through policy advocacy, education, prevention programmes and recovery support.

“We therefore make a clarion call to the Northern States Governors’ Forum and their spouses, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, our Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives.

“We call on politicians, business leaders, the academia, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and families across the region to rise; this is your call to duty.

“Drug abuse is not confined to political affiliations, religion, or ethnic lines. It is a monster eating into every home, school, street, and worship centers,” he said.

According to Yusuf, drugs are destroying the very foundation upon which the region stood,that is the youth.

“We cannot remain indifferent while this darkness continues to spread,” he said

He commended the partners, supporters, and advocates of DFAM for their continuous encouragement.

“Let us remember the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other noble leaders of our past, men who led with vision, character, and sincerity of purpose.

“Their footprints brought education, unity, and prosperity to Northern Nigeria. We must now rise with the same integrity and courage to confront this evil plaguing our generation.

“To all who love Northern Nigeria: this is not the time for politics, it is the time for redemption. The time has come to match our words with bold actions. Enough of the empty talk,” he said.

Yusuf urged stakeholders to commit to sending the out-of-school children back to school and also establish fully functional rehabilitation and recovery centres.

He urged them to create real economic and livelihood opportunities for young people and launch robust school and community drug prevention programmes.

He called on youths to stand against drug abuse because it is a slow killer destroying their future, shattering families, and robbing communities of peace.

According to Yusuf, for those trapped in addiction, there is hope because recovery is possible, and DFAM stands ready to walk with them.

He urged those still free to guard their freedom and never allow themselves to be caught in the snares of drugs and substance abuse.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let this moment of reflection and sacrifice become a turning point for our region.

“May Allah SWT guide our leaders with wisdom, inspire them with courage, and bless them with the sincerity to serve the people selflessly.

“May He protect our youth, heal the addicted, comfort the afflicted, and rebuild our broken communities.

“May Northern Nigeria rise again, drug-free, purpose-driven, and prosperous,” he prayed.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety
Science & Tech

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

180 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.

The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.

“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.

“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.

“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.

Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.

According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.

He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.

“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.

“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.

“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.

“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.

The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.

Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved  Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.

Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.

According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.

The Director-General,  Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.

It provides  professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by  promoting food science and technology, (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

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