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FSSD: FG, UN Synergise To Tackle Hunger, Malnutrition
The Federal Government and the United Nations (UN), yesterday, disclosed collaboration to tackle hunger and malnutrition affecting Nigerians with Food Systems Summit Dialogue (FSSD), in September, 2021.
This was made known via webinar for journalists on Nigeria National Food Systems Dialogue (FSSD), and the dialogue will hold in the six geopolitical zones of the country as part of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), and there will be series of dialogues across the country to chart pathways towards ensuring resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in Nigeria by 2030.
The UN priorities will support evidence-based guidance on healthy and sustainable food and diets to transform food systems; implementation and enforcement of policies and create healthy food environments for children; healthy and safe environments; large scale food fortification; Improvements to the food supply and food environments.
According to the UN Secretary-General in his latest Policy Brief on Food Security, there is more than enough food in the world to feed the world’s population of 7.8 billion people.
But, today, more than 820 million people are hungry, the food systems are failing, and the Covid-19 pandemic is making things worse.
It is increasingly clear that we must act now to address the impending global food emergency and avoid the worst impacts of the pandemic.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Country Representative, United Nations Secretary-General, Edward Kallon, said, “Sustainable food systems do not have to just end hunger, we need to put in place system that ensures we produce enough food for the coming generation without compromising the ability of future generations to have access to adequate food and proper nutrition.
“As the population continues to grow and the many players in the food industry, there is greater need for all of us to understand and really assure the availability of quality food and in the quantity that will cater for people in all sustainable way.
“It is in the light of this UN and Government of Nigeria is bringing together key players in science, policy, business, health care and academic, including women, organizations, farming organizations, youth organizations, consumer groups, food processing, environmental activists, and most importantly the media.
“In fact, the media our dialogue will be likened to what we call the linking mobile on what they are doing, and if we leave here we want to go far in this particular race. Nigeria is blest with a vibrant press and media eco-system and definitely as professionals who constitute one of the world’s best.
“I urge our media partners to get into the fore of the UN Food System Summit and to support our efforts by encouraging debates and discussions among the population, issues of the sustainable food system for the country.
“As you all know every individual has a role to play in our efforts towards sustainable food system. We are all stakeholders when it comes to food because of one simple reason; we are all at least Nigerians.”
However, he said that Covid-19 has brought to the fore the connection between food, health, and quality of lives, and also how many food systems have failed, especially where inequality blossoms.
“The pandemic has powered global and unprecedented appetite for change that brought the challenge to transformed food systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. We must come together to do that better.
“Once again I commend the government of Nigeria to drive this process, and I also appreciate all of you in the media for being part of the Food System Summit preparation and you will remain part of this process until September 2021 when the summit will hold. Some of us have strong faith in Nigeria and we just believe that Nigeria at the right moment can feed Africa at large”, he added.
However, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Azeez Muyiwa, disclosed that, “The Federal Government is currently working very hard to reduce post-harvest losses most especially in the area of perishable crops. For example, tomato, pepper, we are working with research institutes to develop very good varieties on some of these highly perishable food crops.
“Secondly, we are working with the farmers on appropriate packaging materials that would not bleach, most especially tomato, and because to make it well.
“Thirdly, we already have a very big programme with African Development Bank, which will bring in the producers, processors, and marketers at the same place, we are calling it Special Agro-Processing Zone, and is going to be one of the biggest programmes of the Federal Government.
“Currently, we are at the verge of getting to the preparatory stage of the programme, and we are working with multi-national investors in such a way that Special Agro-Processing Zone, we are going to have the producers, aggregators, processors, and marketers at the same place in such a way that the producers will not want to travel a long distance before getting to the processors and the SAPZs dedicated infrastructure in such a way that there will be roads, light, and others.
“We are also working with the farmers to develop adaptive storage equipment by this we are fabricating storage equipment for the small-scale farmers.”
Muyiwa also made it known that the Federal Government is currently facilitating the “establishment of 10 large scale rice mills as part of the effort of the Federal Government to ensure it affects sufficient rice production.
“And with these SAPZs, Federal Government is working hard to reduce post-harvest losses, therefore, increase the quantum of food in the food system.”
Meanwhile, the Country Director, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Fred Kafeero, acknowledged and said, “This calls for action in the entire food system to re-evaluate our current food system to find out what is working and lessons we can learn from there but more importantly to make recommendations to improve the way the food system functions.”
Kafeero also expressed optimism and said, “For Nigeria, we believe this dialogue will take actions to achieve a sustainable food system for the country.”
Explaining the essence and target of the dialogue, National Convener, National Food Dialogue and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Olusola Idowu, while declaring the event open said the dialogue will focus the UN five actions, namely, safe and nutritious food for all; the key to the sustainable pattern; food nature positive production; advanced equitable livelihood; build resilience to vulnerability structure and stress.
Idowu said, “This includes essential dialogue aimed at identifying food system challenges from multiple perspectives; exploratory dialogue planned to hold in six geopolitical zones and it is to harness promising approaches from diverse stakeholders that contribute to the food system in Nigeria.
“Food system touches every aspect of human existence in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world. The management of food system, especially affects the health of the people as well as the health of the environment, economy, and culture.
“The food systems based by locations and so sustainable pathway must be rooted in national and local realities. To ensure an all-inclusive and participatory dialogue the Nigerian Food System Dialogue is planned to be organised at three levels in advance of the summit billed to take place in September 2021.”
Other stakeholders at the interaction include, Country Representatives of UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, IFAD, and WFP who also spoke on five Action Tracks ahead of the September 2021 National Food Systems Dialogue.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”
A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.
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