News Agency of Nigeria
FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items
Food Security

FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items

Food

By Kingsley Okoye

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a Federal Executive Council committee to further crash prices of food items across the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi stated  this on Wednesday in Abuja, while presenting a paper at a one- day capacity building workshop for journalists covering the Senate.

Abdullahi said the president’s order would be enforced to further crash prices of food items by ensuring the safe passage of products through various routes across the country.

He emphasised that the committee’s action was aimed at realising Tinubu’s vision on food sovereignty.

According to Abdullahi, the Federal Government was fully committed to addressing the high prices of transportation of farm produce in the country.

He said, “I can say it on good authority to you that the president has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it.

” On how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country.

“We are aware, and I’m sure as media, you are also aware, there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered.

“If you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery.

” So, we are working very hard,we are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”

Abdullahi explained that the vision for food sovereignty was within the ambit of food security and food sufficiency which encompassed availability of food, accessibility as well as affordability, and in right nutritional content on a sustainable basis.

According to him, other programmes such as the ‘Farmer Soil Health Scheme and Cooperative Reform’ were also awaiting implementation .

” We are having what you call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme. And that is ready for launch,we are just waiting for the date.

“Mr President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation and to improve the livelihood of members.

“And you know the principle of cooperative is clear, is democratic, yet it is also very productive. And so we are reforming this.

” There is a number of things we are doing there and I will urge you, as a press corps, to consider forming a cooperative,” he said .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, with the theme: “Parliamentary Reporting : Issues , Challenges and Responsibilities also had as resource person the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Sen.Yemi Adaramodu.

Other resource persons included Sen. Ita Enang and Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Bashir Rabe Mani

SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG
Food Security , Health

SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Mr  Akinjide Adeosun, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ST.RACHEAL’S™ Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to review reforms to tackle hunger, high transport fares and rents.

Adeosun, a licensed Pharmacist and Founder of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF), made the appeal on Sunday at the grand finale of events earmarked to celebrate his 57th birthday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the birthday, celebrated on Aug. 4, witnessed a Thanksgiving Service at the All Souls’ Church, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with philanthropic gestures including the unveiling of food bank among others.

Adeosun, who tagged the celebration as “Thanksgiving in Freedom” said that true leadership must focus on providing freedom for people in terms of ending hardship, hunger and insecurity.

According to him, the 57 birthday is the most fulfilling because of the privilege to distribute food to some vulnerable people in the society including cleaners, security personnel earning peanuts among others.

The pharmacist, who provided detailed insight into the link between food and health of the people, said every society must prioritise feeding, transport and rents (shelter).

Adeosun said: “Let us look at our reforms again and review where necessary. There is no where in the world where there is no subsidy one way or the other.

“There is a huge link between food and the health condition of the people. We just need to do something about food, transport and rents.

“These are the three anguish facing the people that I found out after special interviews with cleaners, security men and other vulnerable people in Lekki Phase I, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.”

He said that government needs to partner with well-meaning individual and corporate organisations to achieve the SDG’s Goal 2 “Zero Hunger” to improve life expectancy in the country.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s removal of subsidy on fuel, the medical expert said that the government should have planned well to tackle the expected consequences including hunger, poverty and anger.

According to him, the government must increase capacity of manufacturing companies including indigenous pharmaceutical films to crash the inflation of products.

“We cannot use palliatives to solve this. They can only be solved through macroeconomics. Our reforms cannot be cast on stone, we have to review them.

“There is an urgent need for investment in manufacturing and production industry.

“We must move Nigeria from consumption to production nation such that we produce even more than what we need as a people.

“Prices will come down automatically and thirst for foreign products will no longer be there,” he said.

The philanthropist said: “We must ban importation of petrol. We must ensure crude oil naira discount for local refining firms like Dangote. We must ensure exchange rate rebasing also.

“The President has to do something about petrol price because it is what is driving inflation.

“We must tinker with the crude oil price to Dangote and price will come down,” he said.

He advocated 20 per cent crude oil discount to Dangote Refinery and other local refinery or buying of five barrel and getting one free or even 20 per cent naira price discount.

According to him, the same can be extended to local flour, cement and basic commodity producers including farmers to bring down prices and rents.

On saboteurs, the philanthropist advocated death penalties for all economic saboteurs just like the situation in Singapore and China.

He urged the government to make life easy for people at the grassroots by building infrastructure like schools, hospitals and equipping them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NACCIMA hails Ogbeh’s commitment to food security, national development
General News

NACCIMA hails Ogbeh’s commitment to food security, national development

By Lucy Ogalue

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has  described late Audu Ogbeh as a visionary leader devoted to agriculture, commerce and national growth.

 

Mr Jani Ibrahim, NACCIMA’s President , in a statement issued on Sunday, said Ogbeh’s contributions as a farmer, policy-maker and statesman reflected his deep commitment to food security, commerce and national development.

 

Ibrahim said that the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who died on Saturday, brought to public service a rare combination of practical farming experience and policy expertise.

 

“Mr Ogbeh understood that the strength of a nation lies in the harmony between agriculture, industry and commerce.

 

“His reforms during his tenure as minister sought to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, recognising that food security is closely linked to national security and economic prosperity,” he said.

 

According to Ibrahim, Ogbeh’s establishment of Efugo Farms in Makurdi, with its rice mills, cashew plantations and poultry operations, demonstrates his belief in local production as a pathway to economic self-reliance.

 

He also reiterated Ogbeh’s intellectual versatility, describing him as a man equally at ease discussing literature, political theory and agricultural innovations.

 

According to the NACCIMA boss, Ogbe’s creative works enriched Nigeria’s cultural space.

 

“His leadership style was defined by integrity, vision and hard work. He embodied the productive citizen who translates ideas into tangible benefits for society,” he said.

 

Ibrahim expressed NACCIMA’s condolences to Ogbeh’s wife, Justina Obehi, his children and the entire family, praying God for the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

“Ogbeh has ploughed his final furrow on this earthly plane, but the harvest of his ideas, courage and commitment to excellence will continue to nourish Nigeria for generations to come.

 

“In honouring his memory, we commit ourselves anew to the ideals he embodied: integrity in leadership, excellence in service, and an unwavering belief in the productive capacity of the Nigerian people.

 

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his exemply life continue to guide us in our mission to build a prosperous and equitable Nigeria,” Ibrahim said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Ekama – Williams

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner
Agriculture

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

FG intensifies surveillance to ensure accuracy in fuel, food measurements
Economy/Business

FG intensifies surveillance to ensure accuracy in fuel, food measurements

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to ensure Nigerians get fair value for their money through accurate quantity measurements in goods and services.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Rimi, represented by Mr Dafang Sule, the Director of Federal Produce Inspectorate Service, said this when he led officials from the Weights and Measures Department of the Ministry on an inspection tour of some facilities within the city center.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the facilities visited are the NNPC mega station and NNPC by Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Conoil, Gransquare, and the Arab Contractors site in Abuja.

Rimi said the essence of the visit was to ensure the facilities maintained strict compliance with approved standards of measurement, for consumer protection and revenue generation for the government.

He expressed the commitment of the present administration through its Renewed Hope Agenda, to protect the interest of consumers and the general public.

“With all of these activities, the consumer has the right to receive what he pays for.

”At the same time, it is a strong base for revenue generation because the service is paid for, and the government derives enormous returns from it,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Weights and Measures, Mr Bamidele Olajide, said the surveillance was part of the department’s annual nationwide compliance exercise.

”This is our annual surveillance. We do it once a year. And what we do specifically is to ensure that we do our function, we carry out our responsibility.

“Our aim is to protect consumers from being shortchanged. If a buyer pays for 20 litres of fuel, they must get exactly 20 litres. The same applies to food and industrial commodities.

”We also enforce compliance of the entities with government regulation such that the quantity of what you are giving to the public is accurate and specific,” Olajide said.

According to him, most of the premises visited so far have shown substantial compliance to the required standards .

On the issue of standards in the oil and gas sector, Olajide confirmed that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the department’s role under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said this was being done with the support of the National Assembly and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has directed that Weights and Measures return to the oil and gas sector to ensure that what is lifted corresponds to what is declared at the ministry,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Muktar Salim, Deputy Director, Surveillance, said that the department operated an open complaint system through its website and call centres.

Salim encouraged consumers to report suspected cheating or inaccuracy in weighing or dispensing to the department’s closest office for necessary actions.

“We want to ensure that a person paying for 50 tonnes gets exactly 50 tonnes. That is the core of consumer protection,” Salim said.

At the Arab Contractors site in Wuye, the project manager, Mr Gamal Abdelrahman, commended the surveillance team for their professionalism.

Abdelrahman confirmed that their weighing bridge had passed the test, though the operator’s certificate was due for renewal.

Similarly, the Manager of the NNPC Filling Station along Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Mr Isah Iyaji, also applauded the initiative and offered technical advice to CNG vehicle users.

He advised motorists using CNG converted vehicles to ensure not to kick their vehicles with CNG except after driving for about 20 to 30 minutes.

”If you use petrol for like 20 to 30 minutes, then you go back to CNG. That is the only time you can get the compress, the required pressure for it to drive, for your car not to be affected,” he said.

Officials also visited the butchery section and rice stalls at Grand Square Supermarket and Stores located in the Central Business District in Abuja, where items were weighed to ensure compliance with standard measures.

The ministry promised to continue to train operators of weighing equipment and enforce sanctions on defaulters as part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers and uphold trade standards across Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike
Health

FCTA to screen food handlers for hepatitis – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will soon begin the screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries and canteens, for hepatitis.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja on Wednesday.

In the message, read by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat,  the minister said that the move was to safeguard public health and food security in the FCT.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases.

“This, in the long run, will  protect public health and empower food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.”

The minister pointed out that Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, could rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks to the rapidly expanding cosmopolitan city of Abuja.

He added that Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, equally pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present,

The minister said that food handlers are, often overlooked, but could play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.

“Therefore, the FCT Administration, committed to safeguarding public health and food security, is unveiling a strategic initiative to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers.

“This ambitious initiative is being scaled up through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in alignment with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.

“This PPP consortium will combine efficiency, technical expertise and funding capacity of the private sector with government oversight, to implement regular and mandatory Hepatitis B and C screening for all food handlers within the FCT,” Wike said.

He urged relevant stakeholders, government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers and food industry operators to actively support the transformative initiative.

He explained that the stakeholders could support the government through mandatory hepatitis screenings for food handlers, promotion of free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardised food safety training, including hepatitis awareness.

Other areas of support he added included rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers, and raising awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis.

“To us, food handlers are not just service providers; they are essential public health stewards.

“Simple, consistent and safe hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission.

“Let us break the silence. Hygiene cannot wait; screening cannot wait; action cannot wait.

“Together, let’s ensure that FCT leads by example – turning our food industry into a symbol of health, safety and excellence,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Food Security: Ndarani donates N30m to Foundation
Agriculture

Food Security: Ndarani donates N30m to Foundation

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, has called for more empowerment of Nigerians with skills in education and agriculture for  sustainable development and food security.

Ndarani made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the ‘Colloquium on Agriculture’ and an Endowment Fund launch for the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation, where he also made a donation of N30 million.

The senior lawyer is a traditional title holder of Hukuncin Nupe and member Board of Trustees of the foundation, which is for the empowerment of the less privileged.

He said the foundation would be working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights of Nigerians are upheld, irrespective of their class.

“Every human has the right to adequate, sufficient, and healthy food, and this is stated in Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

“It is part of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State policy, contained in Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to ensure that suitable and adequate food is provided for all citizens.

“Their rights to decent housing will also be upheld. Article 16(2) of the Constitution recognizes the right to adequate housing, socio-economic rights, rights to education and healthcare.

“The role of the foundation is all-encompassing which will help fight poverty from all angles,’’ he said.

The learned silk reiterated that the foundation would leverage on the untapped potential of Nigerian youths to serve as a catalyst to the economic growth and development of Nigeria.

“The foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people through various programmes, including education, community development, health and wellness, poverty alleviation, scholarship and skill development, community infrastructure, food security, and economic growth.

“Our intervention will empower farmers and agric-preneurs to reinforce agriculture as a viable economic driver in the country.

“The goal is to empower people to become independent and be able to take care of their individual needs.’’

Ndarani emphasised the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisition and employment opportunities.

He also expressed hope that Niger state’s development success would serve as a benchmark for replication across the country.

He commended Gov. Umar Bago for his tireless efforts to drive progress and development in the state, which have greatly benefited its people.

“I commend the governor for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the development of Niger State. His respect for traditional institutions, particularly the Etsu Nupe and other traditional rulers.”

He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Etsu Nupe for his wisdom and dedication to promoting peace and development in Nupeland, Niger State, and Nigeria.

Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, said the event was for stakeholders to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the teething problems deterring the development of agriculture in Nigeria.

“Our primary aim is to establish a foundation that caters for the indigent in the areas of Education, health, Youth and Women empowerment, among others.

“We align this foundation’s objectives with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing living standards, and fostering national development.’’

He commended the partnerships between Silicon Valley Nigeria, NYSC, and the Niger Government on agricultural projects, adding that it has the potential for transformative initiatives in the sector. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

VC advocates agroecology to boost nation’s food security
Agriculture

VC advocates agroecology to boost nation’s food security

By Peter Okolie

Prof. Christopher Eze, Vice Chancellor of University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, Imo, has advocated the adoption of agroecology to boost food production and ensure national food security.

 

Eze made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop on MSc Agroecology and Food System programme at the institution’s campus in Umuagwo near Owerri on Friday.

 

The Vice Chancellor said embracing smart agriculture and modern farming techniques would enhance crop yields and improve the country’s agricultural sector.

 

He said Nigeria and West Africa’s horticulture and forests are faced with challenges like low soil fertilities, nutrient deficiencies, weed pressure, irrigation system and salination, pest and disease, among others.

 

“Agroecology practices can help overcome these issues and optimise nutrients and carbon balance, improving soil fertility, aggregate stability, water holding capacity, organic matter nutrient availability and PH regulation in a most harmless manner to the soil.

 

“Our farming system needs a comprehensive resetting, incorporating animal manure management, mulch forage legumes to improve crop yields and address challenges like soils erosion, climate change and biodiversity losses,” he noted.

 

Eze said an MSc in Agroecology would not only improve quality of food and lives, but would provide agricultural stakeholders with knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of agroecological approaches and advanced technologies in the agricultural system.

 

He commended the Visitor of the University and Governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for his visionary leadership, foresight and unparalleled support to the institution over the years.

 

He said the university which was established in 2020 had gained international collaborations resulting in two European Union (EU) funded projects in the university – the Digital Solution to Agriculture (DIGISOL) and the Agrecofarm project.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Emmanuel Onweremadu, delivered a keynote paper entitled “Innovation in AgrecoFarm: A sine qua non for food security, environmental sustainability and land degradation neutrality,” at the occasion.

 

Onweremadu, a professor of soil science and technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, stated that land, population, poverty, and environmental degradation are linked to food insecurity, reduced nutritional value, and biodiversity decline.

 

He further expressed concerns over the alarming rate of physical, chemical and biological degradation affecting tropical soils in the country, calling for a reverse of the situation for improved and quality food production.

 

Speaking on an “Overview of the MSc Agroecology and Food Systems programme” at the university, Prof. Rose Nwabueze, said the programme was developed under the Agrecofarm project.

 

Nwabueze said Agrecofarm project was co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union Commission.

 

According to her, the project is funding capacity building in higher education institutions in three West African countries – Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

 

“The core idea is to engage in applied research in agroecology techniques for sustainable agricultural productions, reset farming system, and create environmentally friendly farming system that benefits people and the planet,” she noted.

 

NAN further reports that a third paper entitled “Career Path in Agroecology: A roadmap to sustainable agriculture and food security,” was delivered by Prof. Anthony Onyekuru from the university.

 

The International Coordinator of the programme, Prof. Pietro Picuno, who joined the workshop virtually, expressed optimism that the programme would ensure the survival of agricultural projects and help improve agricultural techniques in Nigeria and West Africa.

 

In an interview, the Coordinator of the programme in the institution, Dr Vitus Enwerem, said the programme is aimed at boosting governments’ efforts at sustainable food security in the country.

 

“The programme is introducing sustainable good agronomic practices not just for students to benefit but for rural farmers and farmer associations to equally improve their yields.

 

“The way population is exploding, we need to equally take care of the environment or risk destroying our soil health.

 

“We are calling on students to enroll in the programme as there are lots of prospects including self-employment after study,” Enwerem, who is also the Associate Dean of the Postgraduate School of the university, stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

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

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  
Health

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  

 

 

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

As part of efforts to fight hunger, the Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), have distributed food items to no fewer than 240 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The outreach to celebrate PWDs in Lagos, was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the logistics company.

Mrs Florence Austin of CCD, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the event was to distribute rice and groundnut oil to 240 PWDs.

According to her, the PWDs include those with albinism, deafness, blindness, physical challenges, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual disabilities.

“We organised the event through cluster heads to ensure orderly distribution and also provided security due to past incidents.

“The event aims to honour children and PWDs, emphasising the importance of inclusion and support,” she said.

The Managing Director of Pukka Logistics,  Mrs Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, said that the company had initiated an ambitious mission to combat food poverty while also championing the dignity of PWDs.

She said that the company’s latest initiative took a compassionate turn by partnering with the CCD to distribute food items to PWDs.

Addressing clusters of PWDs, she said: “Whether you are created with disabilities or it befell you, you are special. Your life matters.”

“You have a specific purpose in life, the reason and the essence why you are created, and disability or anything else cannot stop you.

“You can see a lot of people who got popular, who got into places they could never have been just by the virtue of the fact that they have  some disabilities.

`So, do not despair. It’s such a beautiful thing when people are not limited by their physical abilities anymore,” she said.

Akingbelu-Banjo said that the outreach was with support from British-Indian business partners Jai Mahtani and Sudeep Ramnani,

“Their goal extends beyond mere food distribution — it’s about restoring dignity, challenging perceptions, and proving that disability is not inability.’’

 

Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) distribute food items to PWDs in Lagos State.

 

Mr Anuoluwayinka  Isaac, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and an entrepreneur, lauded the programme for providing food support to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal and hunger, especially significant during the festive period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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