Gov AbdulRazaq restates commitment to food security, malnutrition fight
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing the Food System Transformation Pathways (FSTP), a program aimed at ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all Nigerians.
The Governor made this statement in Ilorin during a two-day biannual zonal review meeting on the implementation of FSTP, organized by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The Food System Transformation Pathways, introduced by the United Nations in response to the food crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks to address global food security challenges. The initiative is anchored on three core pillars: home gardens, school gardens, and farm estate practices.
The meeting, held from Thursday, November 21, to Friday, November 22, brought together participants from northern and southern states, including Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the host state, Kwara. Benue State, however, was not represented.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized Kwara’s efforts in achieving the objectives of the program.
“Over 300 public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools in the state have established school farms, which include ventures in animal husbandry such as poultry, fishery, and goat and sheep rearing,” the Governor said.
He highlighted the collaboration between the State Committee for Food and Nutrition (SCFN) and the Committee for Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP), aimed at strengthening nutrition initiatives and ensuring the availability of nutritious food to eradicate malnutrition in Kwara.
The Governor commended the Federal Government for selecting Kwara State as the host of the event, describing it as a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s food system.
Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the Commissioner for Finance, stated that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Kwara is already a frontrunner in food security efforts.
“Our state is actively supporting crop farmers with land allocations and farm inputs while promoting backyard farming. These initiatives will significantly boost food production,” she said.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olohuntoyosi Thomas, noted that Kwara has made substantial progress in farm estate development, home gardening, and school farming.
“So far, Kwara State has over 100 farm estates or clusters, each ranging from 5 to 20 hectares. This has greatly enhanced productivity. We’ve also implemented four interventions, with 70% of support going to these clusters,” Thomas said.
Dr. Sanjo Faniran, the National Convener for FSTP and Director of Social Development at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, identified climate change, erosion, youth disinterest in farming, and drought as significant challenges confronting agriculture in Nigeria. He stressed that FSTP provides a platform to tackle these issues.
“All states are included in this initiative. Each is tasked with implementing strategies and value chains to transform the food system and ensure food security,” he said.
Dr. Faniran encouraged Nigerians to take an active role in food production. “Instead of lamenting food scarcity, people can start planting at home. If you lack land, you can grow vegetables in plastic containers or sacks, and even plant yams this way,” he advised.
