By Tokunbo Dada
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has called for all hands to be on deck in order to overcome the challenges hindering Nigeria’s progress in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating hunger and food insecurity.
Professor Babatunde Kehinde while speaking at the 2024 Annual Colloquium of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, in Abeokuta with the theme “Galvanising Public and Private Stakeholders Toward Addressing Food Crisis in Nigeria: Public Relations as Key Driver,” commended NIPR for facilitating the discourse on food security in Nigeria. He asserted that tackling the problem of food insecurity is a collective responsibility, and he
emphasized the need for synergy among the academia, government, and private industries, facilitated by strategic Public Relations in order
to secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that FUNAAB has continued to strengthen its global reputation for academic excellence and agricultural innovation. He highlighted some of the University’s key agricultural milestones,
including the ongoing harvest of a 2-hectare tomato farm managed by students under the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), the 22-hectare Cassava Bio-Ethanol Farm, and the completion of a 9-hectare maize farm project in partnership with NOLAP. The achievements underscore FUNAAB’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through innovative research and collaborative ventures.
Earlier, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, outlined the challenges of food insecurity in Nigeria, stating that solutions required more than government intervention. He stated collective action from both the public and private sectors is required in solving the problem of food insecurity in the country. Hon. Owotomo, who was also the Keynote Speaker highlighted the role of Public Relations in bridging the gap between government and private investors, stating that Public Relations also has to do with changing the perceptions and fostering relationships that can reshape the future of agriculture in Nigeria. He called on stakeholders in agriculture to continue to celebrate success stories, as these narratives are crucial to overcoming the nation’s food insecurity challenges.
Awards were presented to notable individuals and institutions, including an Award of Excellence to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support towards food security in Ogun State. The “Image Maker Journal” of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations was also unveiled.
