World Food Day: Industrialist tasks FG on resilient, robust food safety systems

• Oyo Reiterates Commitment To Food Security

The Federal Government has been urged to build resilient and robust food safety systems that can withstand increasing volatility, climate shock and sustainable diet in the face of the current economic meltdown. 

The Executive Director, Spectra Industries Limited, Mrs. Remi Kuteyi, who made the appeal yesterday, during an event organised by the company to mark the World Food Day, said the choice of food by Nigerians and the way it is consumed affect human health and that of the planet.

Also, the Oyo State Government, yesterday, reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers and youths in the state, in its determination to achieve food sufficiency and ensure food security. 

The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, in commemoration of this year’s World Food Day, said the state government, under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde would leave no stone unturned, to bring the theme for this year’s World Food Day: “Our Actions are our future; Better production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a better Life” to reality.
 
Kuteyi, who explained that the choice and consumption of food has an impact on the way agri-food systems work, explained that the UN Secretary-General has “convened the very first Food Systems Summit in September to launch bold new actions to transform the way the world produces and consumes food, with an aim to get back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We all need to be part of the change, so that together, we build a healthy society. As many societies battle with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, World Food Day highlights how food and agriculture are an essential part of the COVID-19 response,” she said.
 
The World Food Day is celebrated yearly on October 16, to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) designated October 16 as World Food Day in 1979. Kuteyi added that in line with calls for solidarity to help the most vulnerable to recover from the crisis, her company donated products to the governments of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti states during the first lockdown in 2020.
 
“Collective action across 150 countries is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public…” she said. 

And assuring the state farmers and other stakeholders in the agric sector of an enabling environment government is creating to improve the sector, as doing this will subdue poverty, hunger and promote healthy diets in the state, Adebisi, however, called on stakeholders to come up with ideas and suggestions that would lead to improved productivity, profitability and sustainability of the food value chains in the state.