Stakeholders call for unified efforts to tackle hunger, promote peace

Humanitarians and activists have underscored the importance of collaboration across various sectors of society and partnerships with relevant stakeholders to achieve global peace and eradicate hunger.

They emphasised that Rotary International must leverage its extensive global presence, especially in the communities where it operates, to build alliances and form partnerships aimed at sustained efforts to reduce conflicts and enhance food production.

This was highlighted at the 2025 World Peace and Understanding Day Symposium of Rotary International, organised by the Rotary Club of Lagos. According to the participants, it is essential for all Rotarians, Nigerians, and citizens worldwide to acknowledge their roles in fostering peace and ending hunger, as no one is exempt from this responsibility.

The President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Adetunji Lamidi, set the tone for the discussion, stating that the theme, “Peace Through Partnerships: Ending Hunger Together”, aligns deeply with Rotary’s values.

He said: “We recognise that peace and prosperity are interconnected, and addressing hunger and poverty is crucial for achieving lasting peace. Together, let us harness the power of partnership to end hunger and malnutrition, promote peace and understanding, and empower communities to thrive.”

In a goodwill message, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, commended the theme of the event. He warned that if hunger is not addressed, it could lead to social unrest, economic instability, and conflicts that threaten societal cohesion.

District Governor D9112, General Olufemi Adenekan (retd), assured attendees that the district would collaborate with others nationwide to boost advocacy for peace and hunger eradication. He also called for support from Nigerians, noting that while Lagos and Ogun states may lack extensive land for farming due to urban development, Rotary would seek opportunities beyond these areas to encourage agriculture.

In her keynote address, Mrs Edobong Akpabio, a renowned Agropreneur and the Founder of Greenport, Nigeria, highlighted the importance of partnerships in peacekeeping, stating that collaboration builds trust and long-term relationships. She also stressed that hunger poses a significant threat to global peace, and partnerships in agriculture are vital for its eradication.

Dr Lanrewaju Yusuf, a peace scholar and panel discussant, urged Rotary to intensify its advocacy efforts and called on individuals to lead by example. Another discussant, Samson Ogbole, advocated for the use of technology to ensure year-round food production, as hunger is a constant challenge. He called for a multifaceted approach to achieving peace and ending hunger, emphasising that everyone must play their part.

The moderator, Ehi Braimah, asserted that peace would prevail if people intentionally pursued it. Similarly, Mrs Yemisi Ransome-Kuti advocated for patronage of local products as a way to engage rural dwellers and address hunger, while Ms Shade Bembatoum Young, a prominent LCCI member, highlighted post-harvest losses as a critical issue requiring attention.

Commending government interventions through the Bank of Industry and the Central Bank of Nigeria, Rotary member Adeyemi Shonibare stressed the need for infrastructure to support farmers. Meanwhile, the Managing Director of SDJ Publications, Mrs Oge Sasegbon, urged everyone to be deliberate in efforts to end hunger.

During the event, some Nigerians were recognised for their contributions to promoting peace and alleviating hunger. Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, praised the sponsors, collaborators, speakers, special guests, and committee members for their roles in making the event a success.