This year’s edition of the food world day: The Nigerian way, was celebrated in grand style as people from different work of life gathered at the Unilag Chapel being the venue of the event, to discuss the way forward in the Nigerian agricultural sector. The programme titled “
Food And Agriculture in Nigeria, be An innovative Entrepreneur ”
The programme started as the pioneer and covener of the programme Mrs Lydia Eke , welcomed all members and gave the reason behind the programme for the past seven years. This was further proceeded with a panel discussion with discussants who are professionals in their various chosen field. Each of them took turns to explain the importance of patronizing Nigerian made foods. They emphasize that the boarder closure shouldn’t be a problem but an avenue for us to go back to the days when Nigeria was known for exporting cocoa, rubber, palm oil e.t.c. one of the panelist, Mrs Bisi King Paul specifically advised that Nigerians should should take farming serious as each region is blessed with different agricultural produce. This was agreed by all the panelists as they also concluded that good food is good for the health.
The MCs Mr Folayan and Mrs Vivian invited Dr. Oyeleye to give keynote speech. Dr Oyeleye is the special assistant to the former minister of agriculture. In his speech, he highlighted the several challenges faced in the agricultural sector. He encouraged the youths to venture into agriculture taking advantage of the value chain. He challenged them youths to take advantage of the various platforms to assess loans. He also explained that youths should use the social media as an avenue to boost their sales. He warned that if the government does not quickly declare emergency on agriculture, there could be food crisis in future. On border closure, he explained that even though the government has taken good decision, he doubted if this can be sustained without the agency responsible for the closure being compromised.
Several questions were asked after his speech which also borders on the cost of going into agricultural business in Nigeria, maintaining regional advantage of agriculture, and the impact of government in encouraging youths to join the process.
The convener further informed the audience about their new online platform on YouTube urging them to subscribe to it.
The programme rounded off with a quiz for the children on Nigerian food. Thereafter there was the cutting of cake and several photo sessions.
