In their determination to ensure food security and to complement Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts on Agribusiness, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East, Hon. Emmanuel Alawode and his counterpart at Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Wole Akinleye recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in order to improve the food safety and sustainable food systems in Oyo State.
According to a release issued by Bola Alabi, Head of Information Unit of the Council, the MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between the Local Government and IITA in order to enhance food safety at the grassroot.
In his opening remarks at the event, Dr. Kenton Dashell, the Deputy Director General of Partnership for Delivery of the institute explained that the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation.
According to him, IITA works with various partners across Africa to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, create employment, and preserve natural resource integrity.
Dr Dashell believes that people at the grassroot need more help and support to promote food safety practices in their communities. So, this necessitates the collaboration between Local Government and IITA in their bids to amplify good health and wellness of community members.
In his response, Hon. Alawode emphasized the importance of the collaboration in safeguarding the health and welfare of the community members.
Hon. Alawode reiterates that the MoU signifies more than an agreement but also a testament to what the Institute and Local Government can achieve together in fostering food safety at the grassroot.
The Arole Omituntun thereafter appreciated the Institution for it’s efforts to intensify well being of the people of Oyo State. He also pledged his unrelenting commitment to the laudable cause.
Delivering his own speech, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Wole Akinleye believes that the collaboration will advance food and nutrition security for the people at the grassroot. He equally promised his full support towards the success of the project.
While giving vote of thanks, the Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa, Mrs Olumodupe Banwo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Chairmen for their trust, collaboration and shared vision.
Present at the event were the Coordinator of Food Safety for Africa Project and a Scientist at IITA, Dr. Titilayi Falade, the Chief of Staff for Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Segun Oludaye; the Heads of Local Government Administration for Ibadan South East and Akinyele Local Government, Dr. Agnes Olakunbi Ojo and Dr. Risikat Dele Busari respectively; the Director of Administration and General Services for Ibadan South East Local Government, Alhaja Tawakalitu Olufunke Adedotun and the Director of Agriculture, Mrs Oluyemisi Ogunbode.
