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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 Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo