The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in driving agricultural innovation as a pathway to achieving sustainable food security. Speaking today, October 16, 2025, during the University’s commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” Prof. Kehinde emphasised that the future of global food systems depends on the creativity, resilience, and technological ingenuity of young people.

He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge required to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven enterprise capable of ensuring a food-secure Nigeria and supporting agricultural exports. He explained that the University, through the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) and other specialised centres, has continued to develop technologies and sustainable practices that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and protect natural resources.

Prof. Kehinde, a Plant Breeder and Geneticist, charged the youths to embrace agriculture with renewed passion and creativity, describing them as “the next generation of innovators who will define the future of food.” He also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those on Zero Hunger, No Poverty, Climate Action, and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Representing the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, the Director of the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff, Dr. Abimbola ’Wunmi Okunneye, highlighted the importance of collaboration among researchers, farmers, and policymakers in achieving food security. She commended the Vice-Chancellor, partners, and the organising committee for their commitment to making the 2025 celebration impactful. She reiterated that IFSERAR remains a hub for agricultural innovation.

In his Goodwill Message, Mr. Olugbenga Alayode, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU-FUNAAB Branch, and Chief Agricultural Officer, COBFAS, representing the Director of the Centre, emphasised that food is the foundation of life and well-being. “We are what we eat,” he said, commending IFSERAR for promoting dialogue and collaboration across agricultural value chains to strengthen food production and support economic development.

Delivering the keynote speech, Mr. Sarafa Banire stressed that global food security depends on adopting sustainable innovations and inclusive policies. He called for greater investments in agricultural research, technology, and rural infrastructure to boost productivity and resilience in the face of climate change and rising population challenges.

Other discussants examined food insecurity challenges in Nigeria, pointing to gender inequality, poor governance, and population growth as major obstacles. They advocated stronger policy support for smallholder farmers, transparent governance, and the integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to modernise agriculture and improve food systems.

The 2025 World Food Day celebration at FUNAAB ended with a call to action, urging governments, institutions, and private stakeholders to work together to build a sustainable, inclusive, and hunger-free future. Principal Officers in attendance included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; and Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga. They were joined by several FUNAAB students and participants from selected secondary schools, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School.

Niger State Governor and farmer, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for a national agenda that will guarantee food sovereignty in Nigeria. He made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 World Food Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos. The theme of the event was “Food Security to Food Sovereignty: How far has Nigeria gone?”

Bago outlined five key priorities that he believes should guide the country’s national food agenda. These include embracing modern and climate-smart farming, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage and processing, making credit and inputs work for real farmers, protecting farms and rural communities from insecurity, and anchoring agricultural policy on long-term national plans rather than political cycles.

According to him, “These steps are not impossible. We have done some of them before. When the government restricted poultry imports years ago, local production grew dramatically. With political will and a clear strategy, we can do even more.”

He explained that the theme for this year’s World Food Day is a call to action, urging Nigerians to move from just food availability to full control over how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. Bago pointed out that despite agriculture’s importance to the economy, hunger and malnutrition remain serious challenges. He blamed this on the nation’s overreliance on food imports and neglect of the livestock sector. He stressed that with better investment in cattle, pastures, value chains, and reduced post-harvest losses, Nigeria can achieve genuine food security and self-sufficiency.

The governor highlighted several major investments by his administration aimed at boosting food production and agricultural development in Niger State. These investments include mechanisation, irrigation systems, value chain development, and strong partnerships. He mentioned the Livestock Modernisation Project with Brazil, which is designed to improve animal breeds, enhance veterinary services, and create opportunities for women, youth, and herders.

He also spoke about efforts to boost crop production, including the acquisition of thousands of tractors, a ₦1.8 trillion rice deal with Dangote Rice Limited, and collaborations with AfricaRice to develop climate-resilient seeds and promote modern farming technologies. He mentioned a cotton partnership with the Republic of Benin, aimed at promoting local value addition, job creation, and regional trade.

Bago expressed concern over the damage caused by flooding to farms in Niger State and other parts of the country. He revealed that the state is working with the World Bank through the ACReSAL Project to build stronger climate defences, develop irrigation systems, and improve early warning systems. He said these steps are meant to safeguard current gains while ensuring future sustainability in agriculture.

He emphasised the importance of joint efforts between government, research institutions, the private sector, communities, and development partners to make Nigeria a food-secure nation. He reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to leading the agricultural transformation and invited stakeholders to collaborate with his administration to turn good ideas into lasting impact.

Bago thanked the management of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs for the opportunity to deliver the keynote address. He also praised the Director General of the institute, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, describing him as a respected scholar whose leadership has inspired many.

In a significant step towards strengthening agricultural collaboration, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, Project Coordinator of the Gombe State ACReSAL, hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, Dr. Jauro expressed strong support for potential collaboration with NAIC, highlighting the importance of the Community Revolving Fund in protecting farmers. He said the partnership would help “mitigate potential losses faced by farmers participating in the scheme.”

The delegation was led by Executive Director Operations, Abubakar Umar Jarengol, who reiterated NAIC’s commitment to supporting the ACReSAL project across all agricultural sectors. Jarengol noted that the corporation has “a solid track record of successful partnerships with various organizations throughout Nigeria.” Both parties emphasized their shared goal of enhancing agricultural resilience, promoting sustainable farming practices, and boosting insurance coverage for farmers in Gombe State through strategic partnership and financial protection initiatives.