Osun to coordinate FG’s Food Sufficiency Programme for S/West states

The Federal Government has appointed Osun State as the coordinating point for the implementation of the Food System Transformation Pathways in the South West zone. The initiative is targeted at boosting nutritious and sufficient food production in Nigeria.

Mr Kolapo Alimi, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, stated this on Tuesday in a statement in Osogbo, the state capital.

Alimi, said that the food system transformation pathways was initiated by the United Nations to facilitate well-functioning food systems that would provide higher incomes for small holder farmers and small/medium-scale food enterprises.

He stated that such initiative would also empower women, increase youths’ employment and increase the amount of money circulating in the economy.

According to him, the goals of the food system transformation pathways by 2030 include reducing poverty, reducing unemployment, especially among youths.

”It will help in reducing hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition, limiting food imports and promote sustainable food trade.

”Also, increasing women’s empowerment in agriculture index score and increasing environmental performance index score,” he said

The commissioner further said a letter has been sent to Governor Ademola Adeleke, with copies made available to his counterparts in Oyo and Ekiti states.

He noted that the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the decision was in line with the effort of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to achieve nutritious and food security and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives in the country.

”This is also part of the step being taken to deepen the achievement of Nigeria as presented at the Stock Taking Moment (STM) in Rome that was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, in 2023.

Alimi said that the coordination arrangement is to consolidate on the agreed recommendations at the retreat of the States’ Commissioners for Economic Planning, Agriculture and Health held in Abuja.

The Commissioners for Economic Planning, Agriculture and Health in all the 36 states and the FCT are expected to work together for effective delivery of the implementation strategy and multi-sectoral plan of action for food and Nutrition.