FG’s food security: Osun to coordinate S’West food sufficiency programme
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo and Jeleel Olawale
Osun State has been appointed by the Federal Government to coordinate the implementation of the Food System Transformation Pathways in the South West geopolitical zone. This initiative aims to enhance nutritious and sufficient food production in Nigeria.
The Food System Transformation Pathways, initiated by the United Nations, seeks to establish effective food systems that provide higher incomes for smallholder farmers and small/medium-sized food enterprises, empower women, create job opportunities for youth, and increase economic circulation.
By 2030, the goals of the Food System Transformation Pathways include reducing poverty, unemployment—especially among youth—hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition; decreasing food imports; promoting sustainable food trade; enhancing women’s empowerment in agriculture; and improving environmental performance.
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke was also sent to his counterparts in Oyo and Ekiti states.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, H.E. Atiku Bagudu, indicated that the coordination of the Food System Transformation Pathways for Oyo and Ekiti states will be managed from Osun State.
He emphasised that this decision aligns with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s efforts to achieve food security and meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
The letter states, “Your Excellency may wish to be informed that the coordination of the three states in the South West Zone is part of our efforts to enhance food security and SDG achievements in Nigeria.”
This initiative follows discussions at the Stock Taking Moment (STM) in Rome, led by H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima from July 24-26, 2023. The coordination arrangement aims to build on the recommendations from the Retreat of State Commissioners of Economic Planning, Agriculture, and Health, held in Abuja from March 7-8, 2024, which emphasised the need for quarterly reviews of implementation on a geopolitical basis.
The Honourable Commissioners for Economic Planning, Agriculture, and Health in all 36 states plus the FCT are expected to collaborate effectively on the implementation strategy and multisectoral plan of action for food and nutrition.
