NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NELFUND to disburse N90bn in tuition, stipends- MD
General News

NELFUND to disburse N90bn in tuition, stipends- MD

1,103 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has announced the fund’s commitment to disbursing 90 billion naira for student’s tuition and stipends.

Sawyerr said this at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He noted that the fund has received over 350,000 applications and has so far disbursed more than N10 billion.

According to him, the fund is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.

Sawyerr emphasised that NELFUND is an institution designed to provide relief, particularly in these challenging economic times, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He stated that the fund offers not just immediate palliative relief but a long-term solution aimed at fostering stability and growth in Nigeria.

“Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students with disabilities.

“We are also focused on addressing barriers to girl-child education, recognising that denying girls the opportunity for further education denies the nation the chance to benefit from their leadership potential.

“With 70 per cent of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence, this intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time”.

Sawyerr further stated that deliberate efforts are being made to proactively reach out to regions that feel left behind, particularly the South East.

He noted that following multiple rounds of sensitisation in local communities, there has been significant progress with a surge in applications.

He reiterated NELFUND’s commitment to working closely with the committee to achieve its goals.

“This collaboration is crucial in shaping a student loan system that truly serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“As we continue to work together, let us remember that our collective goal is the betterment of Nigeria and its youth.

“By ensuring education remains accessible and equitable, we are securing the future of millions of young Nigerians and building a stronger, more prosperous nation”.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Gboyega Isiaka (APC-Oyo), described NELFUND as a critical agency.

He noted that the fund is about creating a future where every Nigerian youth has the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to national development.

Isiaka expressed concerns about the management’s capacity to handle the fund, given its potential.

“As we proceed with proper oversight of this institution, we will focus on several key issues. For instance, we need to be able to ask ourselves: Where will NELFUND be in the next three to five years?

“How will it achieve its goals, and what challenges need to be addressed to get there?” he said.

Isiaka reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency, pledging to work within the law to meet the aspirations of Nigerians, especially the youth. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NBS unveils Nigeria residential energy demand-side survey
Economy/Business

NBS unveils Nigeria residential energy demand-side survey

664 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled the Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS) 2024 to support the Federal Government’s efforts in addressing the nation’s energy needs.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, announced this at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Adeniran explained that the NREDSS 2024 was initiated to assess and estimate energy demand in the residential sector for the 2024 reference period.

He added that the survey also gathered key information on household energy usage patterns for cooking, lighting, and cooling.

“The primary goal of this survey, which was piloted in nine states, is to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy consumption patterns among Nigerian households.

“Through this survey, we have collected valuable data on a range of factors, including energy consumption patterns, access to electricity, energy affordability, and energy efficiency,” Adeniran said.

He noted that insights from the survey would guide policymaking and planning efforts, noting that the data would help improve energy distribution and promote energy efficiency.

The information, he said would also be used to expand renewable energy sources and address energy poverty.

Adeniran stressed the importance of applying the survey findings judiciously to close the gap in energy supply within the residential sector.

Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy, Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the importance of the survey for increasing energy access in Nigeria.

She noted that the lack of reliable data has been a barrier to improving energy access in the country.

“Without accurate data on supply and demand, assessing energy security and access will always be incomplete.

“Nigeria’s energy balance is crucial for tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 and advancing energy policy, which has often relied on traditional or secondary data.

“This survey marks a significant step forward,” Stefanowicz said.

She revealed that the survey found 60 per cent of households are connected to the national grid, with most located in urban areas.

However, she noted that due to the grid’s unreliability, many households rely on petrol and diesel, with an estimated annual expenditure of nearly N330 billion.

Stefanowicz also mentioned that the next phase of the survey would focus on energy use in the industrial sector.

Mr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), noted that the survey would help guide the Federal Government’s energy transition programme.

Represented by Mohammed Modu, Director of Energy Information Systems at the commission, Abdullahi said the survey would provide vital inputs for policy formulation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the survey was conducted in nine states: Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ekiti, Oyo, Enugu, Kwara, Plateau, Kano, and Sokoto.

A total of 8,100 households participated, with 900 households surveyed in each state.

The survey was a collaborative effort between NBS, the Federal Ministry of Power, ECN, the International Energy Agency, and the European Union. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data
Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data

826 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has introduced the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real-time information for transforming the sector.

This initiative is part of the six-year L-PRES project, funded by 500 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA), aiming to enhance productivity, commercialisation, and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, at a workshop in Abuja, explained that the LMIS would strengthen institutional systems, improve market linkages, and promote crisis prevention.

“The system will offer market information through various channels, creating a comprehensive marketing database for planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring.

Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, highlighted the significance of data in livestock development, noting that well-developed livestock marketing information systems were invaluable for national planning.

“As a regulatory body with zonal and state offices nationwide, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science is committed to collaborating with L-PRES and other stakeholders to operationalise the LMIS,” he stated.

Udo cited successful partnerships among farmers, markets, and policymakers in other parts of Africa, expressing confidence that similar successes could be achieved in Nigeria.

Mr Ibrahim Wali, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasised the need for real-time data to ensure livestock productivity.

“In this sector, livestock owners often exchange animals for income without recorded transactions or data collection,” he noted.

He noted that the current number of animals was uncertain, and prices for a kilo of meat in Maiduguri or Abuja were often based on guesswork.

“Having real-time data on the prices of sheep, beef, or poultry will be extremely beneficial,” he stated.

Wali added that access to real-time information had transformed purchasing behaviour.

“Everything we do is consumer-driven. Consumers want to know the quality of the beef, chicken, meat, or turkey they are purchasing.

“The world has changed, especially since COVID-19, making it possible to do everything online.

“Consumers can now order beef and chicken online and, knowing the prices, they can purchase from anywhere, even if they are in Lagos”.

Mr Johnson Opigo, LMIS consultant, stressed the importance of data and information systems for improving livestock productivity.

He explained that accurate and timely data enable farmers to make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, health management, and marketing strategies.

“A robust information system provides real-time market data, helping producers understand trends and pricing to make better sales decisions.

“Additionally, information systems can issue early warnings for disease outbreaks and market fluctuations, allowing farmers to take preventive measures”.

Opigo also noted that data on livestock performance and health optimises resource use, reduces waste, and increases efficiency.

He stated that comprehensive data informs policymakers, leading to better regulations and support programmes that enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu charges Nigerians to embrace CNG
General News

Tinubu charges Nigerians to embrace CNG

563 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, charged Nigerians to embrace the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which he said had come to stay.

Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), said, while addressing State House correspondents, that the President gave the charge at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

“We are well aware that the President set up a Presidential Committee on the CNG to drive the CNG project.

“It is left for us to inform the general public that CNG has come to stay, and we have to follow that route because CNG is safe, cheaper, and protects the environment,” said the Minister.

He said the President also directed that most of the filling stations across the country should be converted to CNG stations with conversion kits to enable people convert their vehicles to CNG.

“It is important to note that when you are using CNG, you save a lot of money, a litre of fuel can go for N1000, but you get CNG at N200 per litre, which saves you N800.

“With the passion of Mr President, the push that he has given to us, we’ll try to drive the CNG programme to reach the nooks and crannies of this country.

“We have to take advantage of the natural resources, gas, that God has endowed us with,” said Ekpo.

The Minister assured that gas was available in large quantity, and the only challenge was infrastructure to deliver the product to filling stations.

He, however, said the President directed that adequate infrastructure should be provided to ensure the delivery of gas to filling stations.

“What we produce in our country is more than enough for us to use for CNG; and of course, you know, we are exporting to so many other countries,” he said.

On the high cost of conversion of cars to CNG, the Minister said it was because the conversion kits were imported.

He said that with more private investors taking advantage of the CNG project, the price would drastically come down eventually.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said the President and members of FEC believed that there was need for further enlightenment of the Nigerian public to know the advantages of using CNG.

“It is not just because it is cheaper, but because it also marks our own transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy that the world is moving towards,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FG, partners begin Cadre Harmonisé analysis to combat food insecurity
Agriculture

FG, partners begin Cadre Harmonisé analysis to combat food insecurity

782 total views today

By Talatu Maiwada

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with technical experts have commenced a state-level Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis to identify areas facing food and nutrition insecurity.

The CH is a unified tool used to provide rigorous and transparent analysis of current and projected food and nutrition security situations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six-day CH workshop in Yola includes analysts from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states.

Dr Dishi Khobe, Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on Food Security, noted the importance of the exercise in obtaining reliable data to identify areas affected by severe poverty, food shortages and malnutrition.

“The main goal is to combat food insecurity, the poor are getting poorer due to the rising cost of living and we lack reliable data to support our people effectively.

“We have followed the CH exercise for a long time and observed that the trends are accurate and factual, it has shown hotspots on the map for immediate intervention.

“The state government is making efforts to improve and take ownership of the project so that when the supporting partners withdraw, we can fully take over without leaving any gaps,” he said.

Mr Bulama Dauda, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the exercise aims to consolidate evidence on food and nutrition security at the state level.

“The CH involves analysing the food and nutrition situation for specific areas, such as Local Government Areas, states, and the country as a whole, it is essential for shaping effective response plans.

“The results are used globally, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel countries, to guide responses to food and nutrition crises, support decision-making, planning, implementation, and budgeting for interventions,” Dauda added.

Dr Ibrahim Bayaso, Adamawa State CH Coordinator, noted that the analysis helps governments and humanitarian partners to prioritise areas for response.

“When food insecurity and nutrition challenges arise, it is crucial to identify the areas that need immediate intervention.

“The CH process identifies five phases: minimal, under pressure stress, crisis, emergency, and famine, which guide governments and donor partners in determining the areas that require urgent assistance”, he said.

Mr Jasper Mwesigwa, Food Security Analyst, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), noted that Nigeria was experiencing prolonged period of economic hardship and high inflation rates since 2023.

This, he added puts pressure on families and communities.

He noted that the country also faced the impact of climate change, including severe flooding and droughts, along with conflicts that have displaced populations, creating compounded vulnerabilities.

“The CH process provides timely and credible data to guide humanitarian actors and government agencies in targeting their responses to the most vulnerable populations”.

NAN reports that the CH state-level analysis is being conducted across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The partners include FAO, the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), Action Against Hunger, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, UNICEF, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NEWSAN, climate council partner on water, sanitation integration
Environment

NEWSAN, climate council partner on water, sanitation integration

971 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), on Tuesday called for the integration of climate change adaptation strategies into Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Mr Benson Attah, National Coordinator of NEWSAN, made this call at a meeting with Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director -General of the National Council on Climate Change, in Abuja.

He said there was a need for collaboration to address the impacts of climate change on the country’s development, particularly within the WASH sector, which directly affects health, safety, and livelihoods.

“Climate change poses a serious setback to development, and we are especially concerned with how it impacts water, sanitation, and hygiene,” Attah said.

He added that while climate change has revealed neglected issues, the setbacks outweigh the benefits.

Attah commended the Federal Government’s recent efforts, supported by UNICEF, to develop a climate change adaptation plan for the WASH sector.

He stressed the importance of collaborating with the National Climate Change Council to fully integrate climate considerations into WASH policies.

“It is not enough to have policies; we must ensure effective implementation across all sectors,“he said.

Mr Williams Ngwakwe, a NEWSAN representative, pointed to the need to address climate-related issues such as flooding and its impact on agriculture and food security.

He stated how early rains followed by drought have damaged crops, and noted that poor sanitation worsened by climate change has contributed to cholera outbreaks in 34 of 36 states.

Ngwakwe urged the council to prioritise these issues in its agenda, emphasising that NEWSAN’s extensive grassroots network could help implement climate-resilient WASH projects.

He cited ongoing efforts to build disability- and girl-friendly sanitation facilities as part of their work.

Responding, Maduekwe acknowledged the importance of building resilience against climate impacts like flooding and high temperatures.

She stressed the need for action, particularly in securing funding through mechanisms like the Green Bond and the loss and damage funds.

Maduekwe called for health and infrastructure projects to be prioritised in climate financing plans.

“We need to strengthen infrastructure that ensures access to clean water and sanitation. Why can’t that be part of Green Bond funding”

“One of the things in the green bond is afforestation, what about health, what about infrastructure, access to WASH.

“How can we get the funding for water, sanitation, so when the government bring out the budget where do we stand.

“Your expertise is very important.  How do we move from paper to reality, do we qualify for loss and damage”.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to continue collaborating on addressing climate change in the WASH sector, with NEWSAN pledging its support to the council’s initiatives.

NEWSAN is a civil society network coordinating NGOs and community-based organisations in the WASH sector, with operations across all 31 states and geopolitical zones in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Bobrisky served term in correctional centre- Report
Defence/Security

Bobrisky served term in correctional centre- Report

587 total views today

By Kelechi Ogunleye

A report by Federal Government’s Independent Investigative Panel has revealed that there is no evidence indicating that Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) lived outside the Correctional Service facility during his six-month imprisonment.

The panel, established by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was tasked with investigating allegations of gross violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The report was submitted on Monday in Abuja.

Presenting the report to the Minister, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, President of the panel and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, noted that this was the first phase of the investigation.

Ajani stated that the report included findings on Bobrisky and also addressed allegations made by Abdulrasheed Maina against personnel at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The investigation revealed that Bobrisky received several special privileges while in custody at both the Medium-security and Maximum-security custodial centers in Kirikiri, Lagos.

“He had furnished single cells, humidifier, rugged floor and lots of visits by his family members and friends as he desired. Visits were also held inside the office of the officer in-charge of the custodial center.

“He also enjoyed the privileges of self- feeding, designated inmate to run errands for him, access to fridge and television, and possibly access to his phone,’’ she said.

She, however, underscored the need to further investigate, if the privileges were financially induced and based on corrupt practices by correctional officers.

Ajani noted that the peculiarities and physical appearances of the responder probably led to the special treatments he received by the correctional officers.

According to her, findings revealed that, the decision to transfer Bobrisky from Ikoyi custodial centre, to the Medium maximum centre was made by Ben Freeman, the  then, State Controller, NCos Lagos Command.

“The state controller however, has the power by law to transfer inmates within the same state.

“Proper documentation was, however, not made prior to his transfers but the documents were later provided and backdated.

“This is in violation to Section 168 and 169 of the NCoS service standing order, and the transfer of Bobrisky being a first offender violates section 16 (4a) (b) of the Ncos Act, 2019,” she added.

The president of the panel said that the committee proposed that in future, provisions should be made available for peculiarities such as Bobrisky’s case.

According to her, steps should be taken to avoid the obvious discriminatory practices in relation to the socio-economic levels and other status of inmates.

In the same vein, the panel reports indicated that, it was true that a senior officer collected funds from Maina’s son.

According to her, the panel, upon interrogation of the officer, discovered that money was paid into his personal account.

“The officer claimed that the money paid into his personal account was for the purpose of catering for Maina’s welfare and health.

“He acted unethically and brought himself and the service to great disrepute by requesting and receiving money from Maina’s son.

“The panel is of the view that, even if the transfers were made with Maina’s approval, it is still a violation, as the officer’s conduct was not consistent with institutional regulations,” she said.

The panel therefore recommended that all correctional service personnel should “be re-trained and be persons of integrity and character’’.

The panel also recommended that personnel without previous direct heading of a custodial center should not be deployed to head big and sensitive custodial centers.

“The gross under-funding of the Nigerian correctional service, poor welfare package and working conditions of correctional officers are factors that encourage corruption and commercialisation of provision of welfare and other services to inmates,” Ajani said.

Responding, the minister said that any officer found culpable based on the report would face disciplinary actions.

“We have nothing to hide and it is about reform and making sure we build strong institutions that will outlive every one of us, and the correctional service is a key institution in the security architecture.

“We will follow this up with action and make sure we build a service that will not be condemnatory to inmates.

“We want to reform the service in a way that it will be the bridge between the weak and the strongest,” he said.

The minister assured that it would no longer be business as usual, adding, “the renewed hope starts with us in this ministry”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

NIHSA warns of imminent flooding along Rivers Benue, Niger
Environment

NIHSA warns of imminent flooding along Rivers Benue, Niger

1,150 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the River Benue and River Niger, following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.

In a statement on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points.

He noted that water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, exceeding 9 meters between October 9 and October 15.

“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.

“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed stated.

The agency also warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba Dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.

Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts to build resilience against flooding, which had become an annual challenge for many communities in Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NIGCOMSAT to replace ageing satellite before 2026 – Official
Science & Tech

NIGCOMSAT to replace ageing satellite before 2026 – Official

1,288 total views today

By Sunkanmi Onifade

Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd., has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to replacing the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite before its lifespan ends in 2026.

Egerton-Idehen disclosed this at a news conference to mark the begining of  Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja on Wednesday.

She emphasised the importance of satellite technology in advancing Nigeria’s digital future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched in 2011, had delivered substantial services to Nigeria’s telecom and broadcast sectors, saving billions in foreign exchange.

Egerton-Idehen said the week, which has ‘Empowering Nigeria’s Digital Future: Innovations in Satellite Technology and Entrepreneurship’ as its theme, would demonstrate the transformative potential of satellite technology across the sectors of the nation’s economy.

According to her, the week-long event aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, from industry experts to policymakers, with the goal of making satellite technology a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sustainable development.

“Key features of the event include the Stakeholders’ Forum for in-depth collaboration and the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Demo Day, where startups will showcase their innovative solutions.

“This is the day we will see entrepreneurship and innovation in action, with pitches from startups ready to transform the industry.

“We’ll also have fireside chats and panels discussing the role of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship in driving space sector growth.

“This event is not just about conversations in the rooms; it’s about inspiring action long after the week ends. It’s about taking the next step—moving from dialogue to action.”

NIGCOMSAT boss urged all the participants, stakeholders, and partners to fully engage during and after the event.

“We need every sector of society to understand and support the satellite industry if we are to truly unlock its potential for national development,” she said.

“This initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship in growing Nigeria’s space sector.”

According to her, the week-long event is not merely a platform for discussion but a launchpad for action.

She encouraged all participants to engage actively and continue fostering innovation in the satellite industry to grow Nigeria’s economy. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Over 2.8bn people can’t afford healthy diets – FAO
Food Security

Over 2.8bn people can’t afford healthy diets – FAO

638 total views today

By Busayo Onijala

More than 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford healthy diets, the Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, has said.

Dongyu made this known during the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony with the theme: “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future”.

‘Foods’, in the theme stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability and safety.

Dongyu said that malnutrition in its various forms existed in all countries and socio-economic classes.

He added that even in high-income economies, people were choosing convenient and unhealthy foods.

The FAO director-general attributed the problems to challenges in agri-food systems where nutritious and diverse foods needed for healthy diets were insufficient and unaffordable.

According to him, food security translates to food availability, accessibility and affordability.

“With 730 million people facing hunger, it is clear that there is still much work to be done, and FAO’s mandate to ensure food security for all is as valid as ever.

“This World Food Day, I am calling on all to renew their commitments to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” he said.

Dongyu said that immediate action must be taken to ensure the integrated ‘Four Betters’.

“For better production and better nutrition, governments should enable healthy diets for everyone by incentivising production and sale of more nutritious foods.

“They should also promote their consumption in a healthy way.

“For a better environment, we need to produce more with less; we need more quantity with more diverse foods with less agricultural inputs and less negative impacts on the environment.

“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he said.

Dongyu said that, for a better life, innovation such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and digital agriculture were needed.

He also said to support governments, the private sector would need to shift from unhealthy foods and make a greater diversity of safe and nutritious foods available, affordable and appealing.

“They need to be our allies in addressing this global challenge. Governments cannot do it alone.

 “We cannot build peaceful communities without addressing hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

He said that the younger generation had a vital role to play, adding that a food secure future without malnutrition was a human right.

Dongyu called for renewal of commitments to building efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that would guarantee the right to good foods for all. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola 

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