(Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Report) – The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) have converged on Abuja to address the global issue of Food Security and Agricultural Development in the world, particularly among Member States.

Speaking during the Workshop held in Abuja recently, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ernest Umakhihe (Dr) said that the Workshop on Strategic Planning and Policy Development in Food Security would provide opportunity for dialogue and discourse on achieving a strategic food reserve system, increased production, mobilize resources as well as Food and Nutrition Security among Members.

The Minister implied that Nigeria has been selected by the IOC to serve as hub for food grain storage for its member countries. Shehuri also noted that the selection was apt as Nigeria already has over 36 strategic grain reserves across the country, adding that some have been concessioned, while seven are under the supervision and control of the Ministry.

He pointed out that Nigeria has largely demonstrated firm belief in the principles and objectives that established the Organization through the implementation of several initiatives in line with the IOFS Action Plan as conceived during the 40th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Conakry, Republic of Guinea in 2013.

Mustapha Shehuri continued that the Islamic Organization for Food Security was a specialized institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (IOC), an Inter-Governmental Organization that was established in 1964 with Nigeria becaming a member in 1986 as well as member of Agriculture Working Group in 2017.

Shehuri further revealed that the IOFS has not deviated from the core principle of providing expertise and technical know-how to Member States on aspects of sustainable agriculture and Rural Development towards addressing the current issues threatening food security in the world, particularly in the African region. He emphasized that the country is open to direct investments in the Agriculture Sector to leverage on the gains achieved through the diversification policy of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government. He charged participants to proffer solutions to the current food security challenges at the end of the workshop.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Yerlan Baidulet said that the objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of government officials on the basics and practices of strategy development, legislation improvement and creation of government inter- sectorial mechanisms on food security. He added that the organization would ensure that food systems are capable of addressing the problems of access to food and adequate nutrition.

Earlier in his comments, the Officer in Charge of the Regional Hub of Abuja – IsDB Nigeria, Mamadou Alpha Bah disclosed that over 80 participants from 13 Member States of IOFS were participating in the two-day workshop. Bah pointed out that the significant essentials of sustainable Food Systems was effective and competent Food Security Governance that aimed at overcoming the food security problems, including hunger and malnutrition through developing and implementing the national and subnational legal and regulatory frameworks on food and nutrition security among others.

The highlight of the 2 Day – Regional Workshop was the presentation of certificates to participants by the Representative of Minister. In attendance were the Director – General of IOFS, the Officer in Charge of the Regional Hub, Abuja IsDB, Representatives of IOC Member State among others

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Culture Health

Moppet Foods CEO Highlights Organic Baby Formula Production and Commitment to Quality

post-image

 

Roberta Edu, the founder and CEO of Moppet, a Lagos-based baby formula manufacturing firm, recently shed light on the company’s mission and operations, emphasizing the unique aspects of their organic production process. Speaking about her journey, Edu expressed her commitment to delivering top-quality products, which she believes will gain international recognition in time.

Edu highlighted the distinctive nature of Moppet’s baby formula, stating, “We are the only factory where you won’t find any chemicals or acids—just pure organic produce, tenderly cooked for your children.” She added that the company’s products contain no additives, which has even raised questions from regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Both agencies, Edu noted, were surprised that Moppet uses no substances to increase volume.

An NGO that approached Moppet for Vitamin A-fortified corn was equally astonished by the company’s meticulous sourcing…

Read More
Autos Business Economy Energy News

Osita Chidoka Raises Concerns Over Fuel and Energy Crisis in Nigeria

post-image

 

Former Minister of Aviation and prominent PDP figure, Osita Chidoka, has voiced his concerns regarding Nigeria’s ongoing fuel and energy crisis. In a detailed post on his Facebook page, Chidoka highlighted the harsh realities faced by Nigerians due to soaring fuel prices.

“Yesterday, I spent ₦100,000 on fuel, nearly filling the tank of a Lexus 460 Jeep,” he revealed. At a price of ₦1,140 per litre, he noted, this amount exceeds Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage by ₦30,000. Chidoka emphasized the stark contrast between earnings and the cost of fuel, pointing out that a minimum wage worker, who earns ₦437.5 per hour, would need to work 2.6 hours to afford just one litre of petrol.

He further compared the situation to other countries. In Egypt, where fuel costs ₦443 per litre and the minimum wage is ₦202,400 per month (₦1,265 per hour), it takes…

Read More
Business Culture Tourism Travels Trends

GLOBAL VOICE MC Day Lauds Cross-Country Travel After Memorable Ghana Tour

post-image

 

MC Day, one of the most vibrant and sought-after entertainers, has captivated fans with his recent international tour, which included a memorable stop in Ghana. Known for his charismatic stage presence and versatility, MC Day has carved a niche for himself as a global voice in the entertainment industry, consistently delivering top-notch performances at major events, concerts, and private functions. His infectious energy and humor have made him a household name across the country.

During his tour, MC Day took time to reflect on his experiences, emphasizing the value of travel as a learning opportunity. “There’s a saying that travel is the best teacher, and I can confidently say that it’s true,” he shared. “I’ve been able to see and learn more about the world through road travel. My experience in Ghana was especially eye-opening – from the landscapes to the rich culture, it was an adventure I won’t forget.”

As…

Read More
Announcements Autos Business Economy

Chisco Group Expands Fleet with 50 New Luxury Buses, Reinforces Leadership in Nigerian Transport Sector

post-image

 

In a significant move that reaffirms its dominance in Nigeria’s transport, haulage, and logistics sectors, Chisco Group has announced the deployment of 50 brand-new luxury buses to further elevate its services. This strategic expansion was unveiled by the company’s CEO, Dr. Chidi Obed Anyaegbu, who highlighted the group’s continued commitment to revolutionizing long-distance transportation in the country.

Chisco Transport, a household name with over 45 years of experience in providing seamless travel and logistics solutions, has consistently set the standard for excellence. The new fleet is expected to enhance the customer experience with cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and unmatched comfort. These luxury buses are designed to serve both new and existing routes, ensuring that passengers enjoy top-notch travel services across various regions of Nigeria.

Speaking on the latest development, Dr. Chidi Obed Anyaegbu stated, “The introduction of these buses is a testament…

Read More
Announcements Business Culture

NIPOST Celebrates World Postal Day with a Grand ‘Walk with NIPOST’ in Lagos

post-image

 

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) marked World Postal Day with an inspiring ‘Walk with NIPOST’ today, celebrating 150 years of postal service and global connectivity. The event, led by Postmaster General and CEO Tola Odeyemi, highlighted the organization’s commitment to transformation while maintaining its legacy of trust and service throughout Nigeria.

As participants filled the vibrant streets of Lagos, Odeyemi emphasized NIPOST’s role as a vital lifeline for Nigerians, particularly in empowering small businesses and fostering community connections. “Under our visionary leadership, NIPOST continues to embrace innovation while upholding our core values,” Odeyemi stated. “This event symbolizes our incredible journey and the people who make our mission possible.”

In conjunction with the celebrations, NIPOST also announced two significant national competitions for secondary school students across Nigeria as part of the World Post Day 2024 initiative. The competitions include a Letter Writing Competition for junior secondary school students and a Stamp Design…

Read More
Business Economy Government Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Corporate Governance as a Pillar of Survival and Sustainability in Nigeria’s Telecom Sector – Dr. Aminu Maida

post-image

 

At the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference, Dr. Aminu Maida delivered an insightful address titled “Corporate Survival and Sustainability—The New Face of Governance in the Nigerian Telecoms Sector.” Reflecting on the telecom industry’s remarkable growth and its significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, Dr. Maida emphasized that governance has evolved beyond mere compliance to become a critical factor for corporate survival, sustainability, and growth.

Highlighting the rising pressures from regulatory, environmental, and societal demands, Dr. Maida stressed that survival and sustainability are now essential, not optional, for corporate success. “Companies in our sector are facing increasing regulatory and environmental challenges. To thrive, we need governance frameworks that not only ensure compliance but also foster innovation, build trust, and create long-term value,” he remarked.

Dr. Maida, who serves as a key figure at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), underscored that good corporate governance is not just about ticking boxes but should be embraced…

Read More
Business Education Government

NDPC Conducts Training Session for NAICOM Staff on Data Protection

post-image

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently held an introductory training session for employees of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. This initiative is particularly important as NAICOM serves as a key regulator and data controller within the insurance sector.

The session commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, who was represented by Mrs. Abiola Jide-Abe, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communication. In her address, Mrs. Jide-Abe praised Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Commissioner for Insurance, for his proactive approach in ensuring that all NAICOM staff are trained in data protection and privacy. She noted that this training marks a significant step towards…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Health

The Promising Potential of Glutathione in Managing Chronic Health Conditions

post-image

In recent years, the spotlight has increasingly shone on glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. While its importance is often overlooked, glutathione’s potential benefits for chronic conditions such as cancer, prostate health, diabetes, and hypertension cannot be underestimated. As more research unfolds, it becomes imperative to consider glutathione supplementation as a viable adjunct in the management of these health issues.

Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword

Glutathione is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative damage—a known contributor to the initiation and progression of cancer. By neutralizing free radicals, glutathione may help reduce the risk of DNA mutations and subsequent tumor formation. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, glutathione supplementation may offer protective benefits, alleviating some of the harsh side effects associated with treatment while potentially enhancing its effectiveness.

However, it’s essential to recognize the complexity of glutathione’s role in cancer. Elevated levels of glutathione…

Read More