No fewer than 35 participants, including beneficiaries, incubators, and staff of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, took part in this year’s World Food Day celebration held on Wednesday, October 16, in Ondo State.
The event, themed “Hand-in-Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” showcased the achievements of LIFE-ND beneficiaries trained in various agricultural enterprises such as cocoa, cassava, poultry, and fisheries.
Participants displayed a wide range of farm produce, including garri, pupuru, packaged cassava products, tomatoes, okra, bell peppers, amaranth, cucumbers, and garden eggs.
The platform also enabled them to network, share experiences, and explore new market opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, who represented the Commissioner, Engr. Leye Akinola, commended the participating farmer groups for their commitment to food production and sustainable agriculture.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Significance of World Food Day,” Chairman of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Ondo Chapter, Dr. Isaac Olanrewaju, said farmers are “the heartbeat of the nation.”
He warned that no country can thrive without prioritizing food production and urged Nigerians to eat farm-fresh produce to avoid nutrition-related diseases.
Representing Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chief Segun Odusanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a secure environment, quality inputs, and modern equipment to boost productivity and food sufficiency.
The event concluded with the inspection of exhibition stands by Chief Odusanya, who praised the LIFE-ND State Project Coordinator, Prince Olawale Ademola (PhD), beneficiaries, and staff for their dedication.
Some participants expressed excitement at the opportunity to learn, network, and expand their agribusiness ventures.