The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has stated that the issue of developing a sustainable food system has never been more urgent and more existential.
He noted this in his keynote address while speaking at the inception dialogue on the UN food systems summit held.
The dialogue was a means to raise global awareness and shape global commitments towards mobilizing food systems to address hunger, reduce diet-related diseases and strengthen plenary health.
While speaking further, Prof Osinbajo noted that Nigeria needs to develop a sustainable food system more than any other country due to the population growth that exceeds growth figures that the country is facing.
“Poverty has deepened particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.
“Malnutrition and unhealthy dietary practices create unique threats to health and productivity for generation after generation.
He stressed that it is a significant challenge to produce enough food for a rapidly growing population, especially given the changes required in the modernization of farming practices, mechanization, and reduction of post-harvest losses.
He also stated that it is so important that, “the nuances of our own society and situation are introduced into this conversation so that the conversation is richer, fairer, and more just for our people.
“I think we must also make it clear that this summit is about the entire chain from farm to table and all that is in between, including retailers, food processors, technology providers, and financial institutions.
“All of these sectors are involved in the chain and they are relevant in this summit and all of their views have to be brought to the table.”
Osinbajo commended the National Convener, Mrs. Olusola Idowu and her team, all the partners, and the UN agencies who have all supported in organizing the series of dialogues.
“Your work is of great consequence because it affects us all and will determine the shape of the future,” he added.