The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called for concerted efforts to combat Nigeria’s escalating food crisis.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Colloquium of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Kehinde emphasized the urgency of galvanizing both public and private sectors to address the growing challenges of food insecurity.
At the event themed “Galvanizing Public and Private Stakeholders Toward Addressing Food Crisis in Nigeria: Public Relations as Key Driver,” Kehinde commended NIPR for spotlighting food security, asserting that Public Relations (PR) is instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving effective communication among key stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria’s food crisis demands immediate action involving humanitarian and social protection measures, as well as coordinated efforts from government, academia, and private industries.
“The role of Public Relations in addressing food insecurity cannot be overemphasized,” Kehinde said.
“Through strategic communication, PR practitioners can foster collaborations that galvanize public and private sector participation, ensuring we achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly eradicating hunger.”
Kehinde also highlighted FUNAAB’s achievements in agricultural innovation, including partnerships aimed at boosting food production.
He cited the University’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nourished Choice Foods Ltd., which focuses on reducing food costs and increasing distribution.
Furthermore, he noted key projects, such as a 2-hectare student-managed tomato farm and a 22-hectare cassava bio-ethanol initiative, as part of FUNAAB’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through research and development.
While clarifying that the university’s mandate was not to “feed the nation,” but to equip students with essential agricultural skills, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed FUNAAB’s global standing.
He proudly announced that FUNAAB was recently ranked the best University of Agriculture in Africa and seventh globally, also coming first in Nigeria for its contribution to SDG2—Zero Hunger.
Earlier, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, called for the intervention of PR practitioners to reshape public perception of agriculture.
Abiodun stressed the need to reframe agriculture as a lucrative and sustainable business, capable of attracting investment and empowering farmers.
“In the context of our food crisis, Public Relations is about more than communication—it’s about building bridges between the government, private sector, and farmers,” Owotomo said.
He emphasized that PR could change narratives, fostering trust and cooperation to drive progress in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Governor outlined various state interventions, including the provision of inputs to over 12,000 farmers and the mechanization of 4,000 hectares of land.
However, he stressed that addressing the food crisis requires more than government intervention—it demands collective action from all stakeholders.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, NIPR President, represented by Council Member Tope Adaramola, also called for increased security for farmers, noting that rising insecurity is pushing many away from their farms.
He urged Nigerians to use every available space for farming.
The event culminated in the presentation of awards to institutions and individuals, with FUNAAB receiving an Award of Excellence for its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, and Governor Abiodun recognized for his contributions to food security in Ogun State.
The Colloquium also saw the unveiling of the NIPR Image Maker Journal, which seeks to further amplify the association’s ideals in public discourse.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the NIPR Ogun Chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, described the Colloquium as a clarion call to action, urging participants to engage deeply and contribute ideas to combat the nation’s food crisis.
She acknowledged the essential role of institutions like FUNAAB in advancing food development through research, education, and innovation.
The 2024 Annual Colloquium attracted prominent figures from academia, government, and Public Relations, all unified in addressing Nigeria’s food insecurity challenges and exploring the pivotal role of PR in reshaping the agricultural sector.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
