Ondo LIFE-ND beneficiaries showcase produce on World Food Day

By Boye Oyeyemi –

No fewer than 35 participants, including 10 beneficiaries, five incubators, and 15 staff of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Food Day in Akure.

The event, themed “Hand-in-hand for better foods and a better future”, provided a platform for LIFE-ND beneficiaries who have been trained in various enterprises such as cocoa, cassava, poultry, and fisheries to display their farm produce.

Beneficiaries showcased products including garri, pupuru, other cassava derivatives, vegetables like tomatoes, okro, and bell peppers, as well as fruits such as cucumbers and garden eggs. The display also reflected LIFE-ND’s focus on promoting nutrition and food security.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, who represented the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Leye Akinola, commended the farmers for their efforts and described the event as a celebration of hard work and innovation.

Chairman of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Ondo Chapter, Dr Isaac Olanrewaju, delivered a lecture titled “The Significance of World Food Day”. He said farmers are the heartbeat of the nation and must be protected to prevent hunger and malnutrition.

Also speaking was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chief Segun Odusanya, who represented Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and restated the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers with security, farm inputs, and equipment to enhance food production.

Odusanya later inspected exhibition stands on behalf of the Governor and praised the LIFE-ND team for their achievements. Beneficiaries expressed joy at meeting new farmers, learning fresh ideas, and gaining useful connections to grow their enterprises.