In continuation of the University of Ibadan's lecture series titled "Decolonizing Food Security for Enduring Multi-Sectoral Pathways to Poverty Mitigation in Nigeria," delivered by Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, a distinguished expert in Agricultural and Forestry. In the second phase of his lecture, he emphasized the critical need for decolonization as a key to unlocking food security, delivered on March 13, 2025, in the prestigious Trenchard Hall. The lecture was attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alh. Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, former Vice-Chancellors of the University, stakeholders in agricultural rural development and community members.

Professor Yahaya focused on the sub-theme: "Decolonization of Food Security and Emerging Champions," asserting that local, state, and private initiatives are essential in combating food insecurity and achieving food sovereignty in Nigeria. Decolonization of food security transcends mere discussions about colonialism's impact on food systems; it represents a transformative strategy aimed at achieving sustainable poverty alleviation, he stated.

He elaborated on how Nigeria's agricultural sector has historically neglected local food systems due to colonial policies favoring cash crops for export, which have harmed local food production. The enduring impact of colonialism, coupled with post-colonial mismanagement, has intensified the issues of poverty and food insecurity across both rural and urban communities, he noted.

Professor Yahaya argued that achieving food security requires a focus on self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience within Nigerian food systems, stating that reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food is vital for maintaining a dignified standard of living. He outlined various pathways for decolonizing food security, including agro-ecological practices, secure land rights, community-led initiatives, and education.

In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA following the lecture, Professor Yahaya elaborated on the importance of state-level governance in agricultural initiatives. Governors and sub-national leaders are critical in any agricultural venture; they know where the fertile and non-fertile lands are. With livestock now being monitored by President Ahmed Tinubu, we have the privilege to take advantage of various states' agro-ecological situations," he said, underscoring Niger State's potential for agriculture. If you want to engage in livestock in Nigeria, Niger State offers vast lands, sometimes exceeding 100,000 acres.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed appreciation for the lecture's comprehensive insights. The lecture is a wake-up call to all of us in the country, he stated. Professor Yahaya articulated the need for food sovereignty and the shift to modern and mechanized food production. He highlighted the necessity for seed production rather than just planting crops, which is essential for our agricultural resilience.

Alh. Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emphasized the need to depart from outdated practices in Nigeria's agricultural sector. For us to progress, we need amendments in our laws to reflect the need for farm mechanization, he remarked.

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Idowu Olayinka, also advocated for the adoption of modern techniques in farming. Mechanization is critical for achieving food security; public-private partnerships can yield positive results in enhancing food security and improving foreign exchange, he stated, while highlighting the growing interest among women in agriculture.

Dr. Suberu Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, praising Professor Yahaya's emphasis on modern agricultural practices. By deploying tractors and other machinery, we can significantly improve productivity and ensure food security for the nation, he noted.

The enthusiasm surrounding the lecture suggests a collective commitment among stakeholders to implement the insights shared by Professor Yahaya. As the University of Ibadan prepares for the next phase of the lecture series, which focuses on "The Multi-Sectoral Pathways for Enduring Poverty Mitigation in Nigeria," participants look forward to further discussions on innovative agricultural solutions.

With influential voices like Professor Yahaya spearheading these conversations, there is renewed hope for addressing Nigeria's long-standing challenges related to food insecurity and poverty in the nation.