The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed commitment to Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), pledging to leverage his expertise to drive the institution’s transformative growth.
Ogunwusi made the declaration during his Investiture as a trustee of NIFST in Lagos on Wednesday.
He underscored the pivotal role of food science and technology in Nigeria’s development trajectory, emphasising the institute’s dedication to promoting food security, technology and innovation.
The traditional ruler decried the prevailing disconnect between Nigeria’s agricultural potential and its food security realities, attributing the paradox to systemic flaws, including relegating agriculture to an optional subject in schools.
He said that Nigeria needed to fully harness mechanised agriculture to boost the economy and guarantee food security.
Ogunwusi said there was the need to prioritise food science, technology and innovation to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate and harness their expertise to elevate the institute’s impact and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
As a trustee Ogunwusi said he would deploy his resources, network and influence to accelerate the institute’s growth, foster strategic partnerships and driveing policy reforms that support Nigeria’s food science and technology.
Also, the President of NIFST, Dr Bola Osinowo, emphasised the crucial role of the institute in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges particularly in the areas of food security and poverty alleviation.
According to Osinowo, the current economic dispensation in Nigeria necessitates collaborative efforts between the government, research institutions, and stakeholders in the food industry.
He said that NIFST was committed to supporting government’s initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and malnutrition.
Osinowo said the advancement of food processing and technology had transformed the global food industry.
Therefore, he said, Nigeria should leverage innovation to enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability in food production.
The NIFST president emphasised the importance of the institute’s collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate food production with modern technology.
Speaking about the traditional ruler, Osinowo said: “We are gathered here today to honour a personality who identifies with our Institute with total commitment, a beacon of royalty and professionalism.
“His contributions to the development of Nigeria across various sectors are quite inspiring. The Ooni of Ife is a great stakeholder in the food, beverage and agriculture industry in Nigeria.
“He is also an advocate of empowerment and emancipation of young people and a renowned royal philanthropist committed to humanity and the less privileged,” Osinowo said.
The NIFST president expressed confidence that the Ooni’s investiture as a Trustee of NIFST would enhance strategic initiatives in food science and technology in the country.
In her goodwill message, Gloria Elemo, former Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), said the Ooni was worthy of the position of trustee at NIFST.
He described Ogunwusi as a forward-moving person, who was passionate about food and youth empowerment.
She expressed gratitude that the Ooni accepted the position of a trustee, which she believed would be a turning point for the Institute. (NAN)
