At the 2025 Mega Poultry Workshop held at Poultry Haven in Egbeda, Ibadan, on Tuesday, March 25, the Chief Host of the event, and Chairman of Fol-Hope Nig. Ltd., delivered a compelling address that highlighted both the achievements and the pressing challenges facing the poultry industry in Nigeria.

“We organize this workshop in order to sensitize, educate, and train farmers, and to impart knowledge to poultry producers,” Chief. Ogunnaike stated at the event, stressing the importance of continuous education and skill enhancement in the agricultural sector. He pointed out that Nigeria ranks as the third-largest poultry producer in Africa, engaging nearly 85 million people in poultry production across small, medium, and large-scale sectors. “In the South West part of Nigeria, Oyo State is the largest producer of day-old chicks and broiler processing. Let us be aware that Ibadan is poised for greater economic growth,” he added.

Ogunnaike expressed appreciation for the efforts of the South West governors in supporting poultry farmers, particularly during challenging times characterized by raw material scarcity. “We appreciate the efforts of South West governors in sustaining poultry farmers, and we appeal to them to do their best in supporting the poultry industry, as it is the largest employer of labor among all agricultural sectors,” he indicated. He emphasized that according to World Food Agricultural Statistics, poultry contributes substantially to the nation’s agricultural GDP—roughly 25%. However, he noted that the journey towards achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria remains a daunting challenge.

“If after 65 years of independence we still aspire for food sufficiency as a nation, we need to ask ourselves where we got it wrong,” Ogunnaike remarked. “When will we become a manufacturing nation? With the land resources we have at our disposal as a nation, it is disheartening that we are yet to be self-sufficient in food availability. We must restrategize and think of ways forward,” he urged.

Addressing the impediments that farmers face, he specifically mentioned insecurity and multiple taxation as major challenges. “No food, no future! Agriculture is the bedrock of any nation’s existence,” he asserted. Chief Ogunnaike called for state governments to take decisive action by cutting unnecessary taxation and curtailing the excessive activities of local tax collectors and contractors, which burden farmers.

He also highlighted the crucial need for improvements in rural infrastructure, emphasizing that roads, schools, and other social amenities must be addressed in order for landscape farming to thrive in rural communities. “Food safety will be guaranteed when farmers are secure,” he concluded.

Ogunnaike’s address served as a clarion call for collective action and urgent strategies to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s poultry industry. His remarks resonated with attendees, reinforcing the belief that with the right support and resources, the agricultural sector can be revitalized and secured for future generations. As the workshop concluded, the sentiments expressed throughout the event echoed the need for a stronger commitment from both the government and industry stakeholders to foster innovation, development, and ultimately achieve food security in Nigeria.