No fewer than thirty-five participants, including beneficiaries, incubators, and staff of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Food Day celebration in Ondo State.
The global event, held under the theme “Hand-in-Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” provided a veritable platform for LIFE-ND beneficiaries who have been trained and established in diverse agricultural enterprises such as cocoa, cassava, poultry, and fishery, including nutrition-focused ventures.
During the exhibition, the beneficiaries proudly displayed their produce, including garri and pupuru-cassava derivatives, as well as packaged cassava products, tomatoes, okro, bell pepper, amaranth, cucumbers, and garden eggs, among others.
The event also fostered opportunities for interaction, knowledge sharing, and market linkages between beneficiaries and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, commended the various farmers’ groups for their active participation and for making this year’s World Food Day celebration a success.
The Chairman of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Dr. Isaac Olanrewaju, delivered a lecture titled “The Significance of World Food Day.” He described farmers as the heartbeat of the nation and emphasised that food security is the foundation of national stability.
Dr. Olanrewaju further noted that any nation that fails to protect its farmers risks hunger and malnutrition among its citizens.
He therefore advocated for increased policy support and protection for farmers, while encouraging Nigerians to consume farm-fresh produce to prevent nutrition-deficient diseases.
Representing the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chief Segun Odusanya, reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting farmers through the provision of farm inputs, equipment, and a secured environment conducive for agricultural production.
Chief Odusanya, who later inspected exhibition stands on behalf of the governor, expressed satisfaction with the quality and variety of products displayed at the LIFE-ND pavilion. He commended the State Project Coordinator, Prince Olawale Ademola, PhD, and the project staff for their continuous efforts towards improving food security and nutrition in the state.
He urged the beneficiaries not to relent but to continue contributing their quota to ensuring food availability, affordability, and sustainability in Ondo State, noting that food security is a collective responsibility that demands the commitment of both government and citizens.
Expressing their joy, some of the beneficiaries appreciated the LIFE-ND project and the state government for giving them the platform to showcase their achievements. They noted that the event exposed them to new farming techniques, valuable networks, and potential business partnerships that would help advance their agricultural enterprises.