The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammed Sabo Nanono has assured Nigerians of the ministry’s readiness to ensure food security in the country.
Speaking in an Exclusive Interview with CEOAFRICA at the 9th joint Annual General Meeting of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) and Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) in Abuja on Tuesday, the Honourable Minister said in a bid to solving the challenge of hunger, the Ministry of Agriculture has been producing more food for both government and private sectors, and is currently empowering Nigerians in the area of Agriculture, giving special support to farmers, among others.
The Minister who was the special guest at the annual conference was conferred an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science. While reacting to the award, he said Nigeria needs to do more to overcome the challenges of today, which is the fight against hunger.
He said, “All our research must be domesticated because that is the most important thing. I have to also say that research institutes across the board are under pending and they need to be given a critical look.”
According to him, “Livestock in this country contribute about 17-19 percent of the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of the Agricultural sector. However, this is an important aspect we shouldn’t ignore but which has been ignored in one way or the other.”
Keynote address was delivered by Prof. Suleimon Bogoro, on the theme: “Reclaiming Nigeria’s laggard livestock sub-sector, a modern dairy chain in perspective.” Speaking on the theme, Bogoro maintained that poor productivity in Nigeria’s dairy sub-sector is contributing to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
While presenting his paper, he said the demand for poultry, meat, beef and milk is projected to increase by 253, 117 and 177 percent respectively by the year 2050, compared to the 2015 level. “That shows prospect, but that is only when we do it right,” he added.
Reclaiming the laggardness in the Nigeria livestock sector, Prof. Bogoro reiterated that the country requires new approaches where research and development are mainstream into the policy issues and production practices, with focus on global competitiveness.
The 3-Day programme, which commenced on November 15th at Evelyn Recreational and Event Centre, Gwarimpa, Abuja, ended on 17th November 2020, with series of activities such as conferment of honorary award, lectures, seminars, presentation of awards, elections, among others.
This year’s AGM which is themed; “Improved Technology: A key strategy for enhanced livestock productivity and national economical development”, was attended by prominent personalities, some of whom are; the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Suleimon Bogoro; Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture, Dr.Abdullahi Adamu; Registrar/CEO Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Prof. Eustace Ayemere Iyayi; members of BOT, past and newly elected executives of ASAN and NIAS, among others.
Deputy Governor of Imo State, while reiterating his support to the association at the event, added that the profession has quite a number of job opportunities and expressed hope that young generations coming onboard, and most importantly graduates of Animal Science would look towards annexing the job opportunities in the profession.
Speaker further, he appreciated the immediate past administration on their relentless efforts in bringing the association to another stage.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Prof. Eustace Ayemere, revealed that the 9th joint annual ASAN/NIAS meeting seeks to address issues and challenges facing animal husbandry in Nigeria in line with the vision of the association; “To be the leading regulatory institution for Animal Science and Husbandry practical in Africa”.
Prof. Eustace also noted that the growth of Nigeria animal husbandry industry has been stunted compared to other aspects of agricultural practices, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of necessary support structure over the years, despite the large number of trained animal scientists.
On his part, the President-Elect, Mr. Isiadinso Raymond Obiajulu, in his acceptance speech said his tenure will be known for leading in the race of high GDP generation in the post oil economy through practical application as an animal scientist.
According to him, the Sub Sahara Africa where Nigeria belongs will witness great population growth from year 2030 to 2050 and beyond.
“As Animal Scientists, we will tailor our drive for excellence with the hindsight of the above narrative, triggering activities horizontally and vertically towards meeting local demands for protein, at least cost/protein basis, and for generating foreign exchange,” he said.
While welcoming the new executives and reiterating the immense responsibility and accountability that members of ASAN have bestowed on them, Obiajulu further commended the steadfast leadership, foresight and mentorship of the immediate past executives led by Pastor Taiwo Adeoye and the remarkable job that was accomplished during the last 6 years.
He thereafter sought the support of his members towards achieving higher goals, noting that he will build on the successes of the past administration, most especially the former President.
Similarly, Prof. Baba Yusuf Abubakar who also emerged as the newly elected president of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science in his speech assured his members of adequate support in upholding the achievement and policies of the institute.
The immediate past President of ASAN, Pastor Taiwo Adeoye, on the other hand, hinged the success of his tenure on the commitments of the resourceful members of the executives, the management team and its diverse members across all the state of the federation.
Mrs. Winifred Ifeoma Lai-Solarin, Acting Director for Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in an interview with CEOAFRICA at the annual event described this year’s AGM as ‘pact with commitment.’“I will describe the conference pact with professionals who are dogged, who are coming forth, despite the situation we find ourselves to brainstorm and deliberate on issues that will move the animal husbandry forward that will support government in all that it is doing to ensure that we have food security.”
She advised graduate, most especially graduate of animal science to annex the opportunities in the profession rather than seeking for white collar jobs.
Mrs. Winnie therefore charged graduates and unemployed youths to leverage on the advantages of technology, adding that all that they need is acquiring skills and knowledge.
Other activities held at the annual conference include presentation of awards to ASAN/NIAS Fellowship, induction of FNIAS Designates, FCASN Designates and Gala Night
