YABATECH HOSTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOOD PRODUCTION AMIDST INSECURITY, ECONOMIC, AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

By Sultan
The School of Agricultural Technology at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Epe Campus, recently held its inaugural international conference titled "Rethinking Food Production in Nigeria: Addressing Insecurity, Economic, and Climatic Constraints." 

The event featured a gathering of numerous dignitaries, including Engr. Adeniyi Ogunsanya, Managing Director/CEO of Royal Waterfront Hotel and Suites, who served as the Chairman. The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University was the lead speaker, alongside Deputy Rector Ach. Femi Lawal representing the Chief Host, Dr. (Engr) Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, Rector of YABATECH. Other notable attendees included Dr. Rosulu Hamed, Dean of the School of Agricultural Technology, Dr. A.F. Kareem, Director, and Prof. K.B. Adetunji, who represented keynote speaker Prof. C.A. Odunayo. Additionally, Dr. Mobolade Adeshina represented keynote speaker Dr. K.O. Sanni from Gateway ICT Polytechnics, while various department heads and students from YABATECH were present.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Folashade Oluremi Aminu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, welcomed all attendees and expressed hope that the conference would foster meaningful discussions and solutions to the pressing challenges faced in food production within Nigeria. This landmark event aimed to facilitate collaboration among experts and stakeholders to address the crucial issues of insecurity, economic hardships, and climate change affecting agricultural sustainability in the region.
Dr. Rosulu recently addressed the achievements and accreditation of a Nigerian school dedicated to agricultural education for the 2022/2023 academic year. He underscored the institution's commitment to academic excellence, with accredited programs in Agricultural Technology and related disciplines, while also spotlighting Nigeria's vast agricultural potential.

However, he pointed out significant challenges, including insecurity and climate change, that hinder food production. “This International Conference aims to address these pressing issues, fostering collaboration among participants,” he stated. Dr. Rosulu expressed gratitude to attendees and recognized the support from various individuals and organizations, urging active participation to ensure a fruitful conference.

Engr. Chief Ogunsanya Adeniyi, MD/CEO of Royal Waterfront Hotel and Suites and President of Epe Club, echoed these sentiments in his address. He emphasized that agriculture is fundamental to life, asserting that all aspects of society originate from it. He noted that the conference's focus on food production is timely, given the serious challenges facing the sector.

Engr. Adeniyi highlighted several obstacles to food production, including insecurity, open grazing practices, climate change, and societal attitudes that discourage youth from pursuing agricultural careers. He suggested that the Yaba College of Agricultural Technology, Epe Campus, could have better served the community by supplying agricultural products had there been a more strategic plan in place.

He called for dedicated research to enhance agricultural practices and outlined key challenges confronting food production and security, providing vital solutions to address these issues.

Prof. K.A. Adetunji, representing the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, provided a comprehensive analysis of strategies to combat food insecurity and boost food production in Nigeria. He highlighted the pressing challenges posed by food insecurity and climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions within the nation's agricultural sector.



In addition to insightful discussions, the conference culminated in an awards ceremony where the local organizing committee honored the lead and keynote speakers for their contributions to the event.



The event also featured an exhibition of farm products by students from Yaba College of Technology. Participants showed strong support for the student exhibitors, recognizing the importance of promoting local agricultural initiatives.

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