REPORT ON WORLD FOOD DAY 2024
Date: November 5, 2024
Venue: Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos
Theme: Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), in collaboration with the Hope for Life Initiative, hosted an impactful event to celebrate World Food Day 2024. The program, supported by Afreximbank, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and other distinguished partners, highlighted the crucial theme of Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow. This initiative aimed to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and encourage sustainable actions to address food safety, hunger, and nutrition challenges affecting millions worldwide. The program’s key objectives were to discuss the importance of food safety and its role in ensuring a healthy future,
address pressing global issues related to hunger and malnutrition and promote collaborations across sectors to create resilient and sustainable food systems.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, emphasized the importance of food security, stressing that without food security, there will be no guarantee of good nutrition and life. He further pointed out that the availability of safe foods should be seen as a fundamental human right.
The event featured notable speakers and experts from various fields, who shared insights and recommendations for building sustainable food systems. The distinguished speakers included Prof. (Mrs) Gloria N. Elemo – Former Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie – Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School and a Certified Management Consultant, Dr. Chris Biellecks – U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Dr. Stanley Akachukwu, a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos. Each speaker provided valuable perspectives on enhancing food security and improving nutrition, advocating for innovative strategies to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria and beyond.
Following the opening, a series of insightful presentations and goodwill messages were delivered, including remarks from representatives from the German Consulate, Royal Danish Consulate, South African Consulate, and the Ghana High Commission. The program also included an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage with speakers on pressing issues related to food safety, hunger, and sustainable agricultural practices. A message from the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, was shared, emphasizing the importance of transforming food systems to ensure access to nutritious, affordable food for all. He highlighted the impact of conflicts, climate change, and economic disparities on food insecurity and urged governments and stakeholders to collaborate in creating resilient and inclusive food systems.
An exhibition tour was organized, allowing attendees to explore innovative solutions and products from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Export Promotion Council, LASCOPA, and NAFDAC. This session provided a platform for networking and discussions on partnerships to enhance food safety standards in Nigeria.
World Food Day 2024 at the NIIA highlighted the urgent need to address food insecurity through collaborative efforts, innovative policies, and sustainable practices. Participants left with a
renewed commitment to ensuring food safety and promoting nutritional well-being across Nigeria. The event was a successful platform for fostering partnerships and sharing actionable insights toward building a healthier future.
Report compiled by Matthew Dikko (Librarian) and Odion Inegbe (Legal Officer)
Nigerian Institute of International Affairs,
Lagos.
