The Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR) emphasized the importance of families across the federation establishing home gardens and participating in the commendable “Every Home a Garden” initiative spearheaded by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Dr. Segun Adebayo, Deputy Director of the Centre, stated this in his keynote address at the World Food Day celebration held at the Cross River State Liaison Office in Lagos.
Adebayo also praised Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu for his notable “Project Grow” initiative, launched in July 2024. This initiative aims to create agricultural jobs for over 100,000 youths in the state and boost agricultural output. He further called on well-meaning Nigerians to connect with the Cross River State Investment Promotion Bureau to take advantage of the state’s lucrative agricultural investment opportunities.
Additionally, Adebayo stressed the need to promote sustainable agroecological farming systems, steering away from toxic agrochemicals and controversial genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
He encouraged the people of Cross River State to invest in promoting their traditional foods, such as Afang and white soup, known for their medicinal properties. He noted that these traditional practices have allowed Cross Riverians to live beyond 100 years in rural communities where safe farming methods are practiced without agrochemicals or GMOs.
Adebayo explained that food insecurity in Nigeria stems not from climate change but from issues such as low purchasing power, post-harvest losses, poor road infrastructure, inadequate transportation, insufficient storage facilities, reliance on food imports, farm insecurity, and the influence of foreign interests seeking to monopolize Nigeria’s seed and food businesses. He pointed out that while climate change poses challenges, more pressing economic concerns require immediate attention.
The event was hosted by the Special Adviser to the Governor at the Lagos Liaison Office, Hon. Esther Bephep.
In her opening remarks, she reiterated the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that every Cross Riverian has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, leading to a healthier lifestyle. She highlighted the Governor’s focus on sustainable agriculture, innovative farming practices, and community empowerment through the agricultural value chain.
Bephep also outlined three major projects under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration: Project Grow, which aims to empower over 100,000 agribusinesses across all 18 local government areas of Cross River State; a statewide irrigation initiative designed to transform Cross River into a leading seed-producing state; and the Cross River Rice Farm Project, focused on enhancing rice production in the state.
The event, held at the National Theatre in Orile Iganmu, Lagos, featured cultural dance performances, artistic displays, and a food exhibition.
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