Stakeholders in the organic agriculture sector have pledged to boost food security to ensure that Nigerians consume safe foods.
Dr Olugbenga Adeoluwa, the Country Coordinator of the Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Initiative in Nigeria, made the pledge at a three-day training of trainers on Organic and Agroecological Agriculture in Abuja.
The event was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Go Organic and the Organic and Agroecology Initiative.
“This training will cover so many aspects with the purpose of spreading knowledge on Organic Agriculture.
“It will equally lift Nigeria out of obscurity for many people in the country to be knowledgeable on organic agriculture.
“Nigeria has got all it takes to be the number one nation in organic agriculture production in Africa.
“Participants will also acquire knowledge on how to use and practice organic agriculture for financial empowerment, job security, good governance and the sustainable use of environmental resources,” Adeoluwa said.
Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General of NOA represented by Mr David Akoji, his Special Assistant, said it was expedient that people ate right because they are what they eat.
According to him, NOA has a collective commitment to organic agriculture initiatives and will create sustained awareness.
“We strongly believe that Organic Agriculture and Agroecology are the way to go as they promote safe and healthy products, higher nutritional value and longer shelf life,” Abari said.
Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, the Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment Mass Mobilisation Department in NOA said that the agency was committed to the execution of its mandate.
According to her, NOA will continue to enlighten Nigerians on good values and behavioural changes from negative to positive.
“NOA is very close to the grassroots populace which gives it the ability to make things known to everybody in this nation.”
Maduekwe, who commended the partnership with EOA, expressed optimism that the training would add value to the efforts of the stakeholders.
