Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano
The Kano State Government has reiterated its dedication to addressing the pressing issues of food security and malnutrition in Nigeria.
In a speech delivered by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo at the 48th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), the government emphasized its proactive approach to enhancing food security through various initiatives.
The conference, held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, focused on “Food Science and Technology for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria.”
Deputy Governor Gwarzo acknowledged the rising food prices and socio-economic challenges facing the nation and highlighted the government’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, technological innovation, and improved value chains.
In response to the economic impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal, Kano is taking steps to make agricultural inputs more accessible to farmers and is promoting large-scale mechanization.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the conference’s policy recommendations would play a crucial role in shaping the future of food science in Nigeria and help secure a prosperous future.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, also expressed concern over Nigeria’s reliance on imported nutritious food, particularly from South Africa.
He questioned the lack of essential ingredients for farming in Northern Nigeria and urged the Nutrition Society to focus their research on improving the lives of malnourished children across the country.
The Emir cautioned against relying solely on rice distribution as a solution to the nation’s challenges and called for a deeper evaluation of shortcomings in nutrition science and efforts to develop the sector.
