ACHIEVING ZERO HUNGER IS OUR PRIORITY – GOV. ABIODUN

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has emphasized his administration’s focus towards achieving zero hunger for the citizens through food security, self-sufficiency, sustainability and the adoption of value-chain approach to agriculture.

Governor Abiodun, made this known at the 2019 World Food Day Celebration, with the theme, “Our Actions Are Our Future, Healthy Diets for A Zero Hunger World”, at the Farmers Market, Asero, Abeokuta.

 Represented by the Head of Service, Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu, the Governor noted that, the commercialization of large-scale agriculture and provision of advisory and extension services were part of plans put in place in addressing hunger in the State.

He noted that the government focused on three arable crops, which were cassava, rice and maize, as well as three livestock, namely; cattle, piggery and poultry, saying they have high competitive advantages.

Abiodun said his government would establish and revamp farm settlements, farm estates and model farms, provide seamless land access through Special Agricultural Land Allocation Schemes for youth, small, medium, large scale farmers, while also setting up an Agriculture Inputs and Support Agency to provide easy access to farm machinery and equipment on lease basis.

 ‘’It is indeed important to state that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to eradicate hunger.  In the fight against hunger, we need to create food systems that offer better nutritional outcomes and are fundamentally more sustainable”, Abiodun said.

Earlier in her opening address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, submitted that to achieve a zero hunger world, it is important that we create food systems that offer better nutritional outcomes and essentially more sustainable.   

“While taking note that there is a strong relationship between agriculture, food security, health and nutrition, which correlates with healthy workforce and productive economy, it is expedient to employ a collaborative effort within the various agricultural value chain in achieving a zero hunger world”, Ogunleye said.

 Speaking at the event, the State Nutrition Officer, Mr. Idowu Olugbenga underscored the need for exclusive breast feeding by nursing mothers, as pre-requisite for healthy children, adding that regular drinking of water and the consumption of balanced diet foods were parts of the best methods to live a health life.