Ooni of Ife Reaffirms Commitment to NIFST’s Development

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST). He has pledged to leverage his expertise to drive the institution’s transformative growth.

By aligning with NIFST, the Ooni aims to support the advancement of food science and technology in Nigeria. His involvement is expected to bring significant progress and innovation to the institution.

The traditional ruler lamented the current gap between Nigeria’s agricultural potential and its food security realities, attributing the paradox to systemic flaws such as making agriculture an optional subject in schools.

He said that Nigeria needed to fully harness mechanised agriculture to boost the economy and ensure food security.

Read Also: Lagos Governor Reiterates Food Security’s Economic Impact

Ogunwusi made the announcement during his investiture as a trustee of NIFST in Lagos on Wednesday, highlighting the crucial role of food science and technology in Nigeria’s development trajectory and the institute’s dedication to promoting food security, technology, and innovation.

Ogunwusi emphasised the importance of prioritising food science, technology, and innovation to tackle Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

He called on stakeholders to collaborate and utilise their expertise to enhance the institute’s impact and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s food security agenda.

As a trustee, Ogunwusi pledged to use his resources, network, and influence to accelerate the institute’s growth, foster strategic partnerships, and drive policy reforms supporting Nigeria’s food science and technology.

Dr. Bola Osinowo, the President of NIFST, highlighted the institute’s crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, particularly in food security and poverty alleviation.

Osinowo stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the government, research institutions, and food industry stakeholders. He affirmed NIFST’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and malnutrition.

Osinowo pointed out that advancements in food processing and technology have transformed the global food industry.

He advocated for Nigeria to leverage innovation to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in food production.

The NIFST president emphasised the importance of the institute’s collaboration with the federal government to accelerate food production using modern technology.

Nelson Aniete, the fabricator of the dehydrator, claimed that the machine would revolutionise food preservation in Nigeria, capable of dehydrating a wide range of foods with impressive results.

He called for support for the commercialisation of the dehydrator.

In reference to the traditional ruler, Osinowo stated: “We are gathered here today to honour a personality who identifies with our institute with total commitment, a beacon of royalty and professionalism.

“His contributions to the development of Nigeria across various sectors are quite inspiring. The Ooni of Ife is a great stakeholder in the food, beverage, and agriculture industries in Nigeria.

“He is also an advocate of empowerment and emancipation of young people and a renowned royal philanthropist committed to humanity and the less privileged,” Osinowo said.

The president of NIFST expressed optimism that the Ooni’s appointment as a trustee will strengthen the nation’s strategic food science and technology projects.

Gloria Elemo, the former Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), stated in her goodwill letter that the Ooni deserved to be a trustee at NIFST.

He regarded Ogunwusi as a progressive individual who had a strong interest in food and youth empowerment.

She conveyed her appreciation for the Ooni’s acceptance of the trusteeship, which she thought would mark a sea change for the Institute.

 

 

NAN