BREAKING: Food security critical to economic stability — Sanwo-Olu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reiterated the critical importance of food security in driving economic growth and development, stressing its direct impact on citizens’ well-being and economic stability.

Sanwo-Olu said this during the investiture of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as a Trustee of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) at the institute’s premises in Lagos on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, noted the indispensable role of food security in ensuring the overall well-being of its citizens and the stability of its economy.

He said the state government had implemented various initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural and food sectors, including empowerment programmes for youth and women.

According to him, the state government has also invested in critical infrastructure such as modern markets, cold storage facilities and efficient transportation networks, to support the distribution of agricultural produce.

Sanwo-Olu commended the NIFST for its efforts in promoting food safety, security, and innovation, and reiterated the state’s commitment to collaborating with the institute to achieve their shared goals.

The governor also emphasised the importance of the private sector’s role in achieving food security, saying that companies must embrace innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.

Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders to work together to build a resilient food system capable of withstanding future challenges, and to empower the youth and women of Nigeria as agents of change.

Congratulating the Ooni of Ife on his investiture, Sanwo-Olu said his dedication to national development was inspiring, and expressed confidence that his involvement with the NIFST would further strengthen the institute’s efforts

He said the investiture of the Ooni of Ife as a trustee of the NIFST was a recognition of the vital role traditional leadership played in driving societal progress.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the Ooni’s involvement with the NIFST would bring a wealth of experience and influence to further the institute’s mission.

In his keynote address, Mr Sola Olawale, Managing Director, Feed Me Ventures Ltd., said that while food technology and processing are critical, the ultimate goal should be to ensure that the food we consume was not just available but also wholesome and nutritious.

“Poor nutrition is a silent killer that undermines the health and productivity of entire generations.

“Addressing malnutrition in its various forms from stunting to obesity continues to affect millions in Nigeria,” he said

Olawale noted that children are vulnerable with malnutrition impairing their growth and cognitive development.

He said that a well-nourished population was a healthy and productive population, adding that diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are often linked to poor diets.

“Promoting balanced eating habits and educating people about the benefits of traditional nutrient-rich foods can reverse these trends.

“Our mothers are the cornerstone of nutrition in every household. By empowering them with knowledge and resources, we can significantly improve the nutrition of all families,” Olawale said.