The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, has commended the Ogun Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its proactive engagement with stakeholders in the state.
Owotomo is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Annual Colloquium of the NIPR, Ogun State Chapter, which is set to take place on October 3, 2024, at the Cinema Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
The theme of the colloquium, “Galvanising Public and Private Stakeholders Towards Addressing Food Crisis in Nigeria: Public Relations As Key Driver,” shows the critical role of effective communication in the agricultural sector, particularly in addressing the current food security challenges facing Nigeria.
Owotomo expressed his readiness to offer insights into the government’s agricultural initiatives aimed at bolstering food security in Ogun State and the country at large.
During a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Ogun NIPR, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, the Commissioner conveyed his appreciation for the Institute’s activities, particularly its efforts in fostering partnerships and collaborations with both public and private sector stakeholders.
He praised the NIPR’s work in reputation management and governance enhancement across the state.
Speaking on the importance of the upcoming colloquium, Owotomo stated, “the theme of this colloquium could not be more relevant, given the food security challenges we are currently experiencing. The state government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, has made significant investments in the agricultural sector to ensure food sufficiency and security.
“My address will highlight both the opportunities and the challenges we face in the sector, and how public relations can serve as a catalyst for change.”
Owotomo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and pledged his full support for the colloquium.
He added that he would work towards rallying key stakeholders, government functionaries, and experts in the agricultural sector to participate in the event.
The Commissioner also emphasised the critical role that effective communication plays in driving agricultural development and the importance of engaging the public through strategic public relations.
The Chairman of the Colloquium Planning Committee, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, provided additional details on the event, revealing that the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Kehinde, would serve as the Lead Speaker.
The colloquium is expected to draw prominent figures from both the public and private sectors involved in the food production value chain, as well as experts from outside Ogun State.
Dokunmu highlighted the significance of the event, which will feature exhibitions, presentations, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss and propose actionable solutions to Nigeria’s ongoing food crisis.
“The NIPR, as a professional body, has a responsibility to bring attention to national issues that require public relations input.
This includes creating awareness about the attitudes and factors contributing to the food crisis and sensitising both government and private sector stakeholders on the necessary steps to address the situation,” Dokunmu said.
He further emphasized the importance of identifying the right stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, noting that effective communication of new ideas and technical advice to farmers, coupled with creating a conducive environment for agri-businesses, were essential components in tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges.
In attendance during the courtesy visit to the commissioner were the Secretary of Ogun NIPR, Mr. Kunle Olayeni, and a former Chapter Secretary, Chief Niyi Oduwole.
Their visit further cements the relationship between the NIPR and the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, reinforcing the need for ongoing collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges.
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