The 2024 edition of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (Lagos Chapter) ReFoSTS and NIFST Day celebrations was elaborately celebrated in colour, glamour and style by Lagos Chapter over two days Wednesday 19th June and Thursday 20th June, 2024.

The event was massively attended with turnout and participants from the food industry, academia, research institutes, SMEs and of course students in the field of Food Science. The event which holds yearly across the different Chapters in the Nation is a gathering of food professionals and the events talks about pressing issues in the food and other related sectors.

Lagos Chapter of NIFST marked the 48th NIFST day with a new twist as technical paper sessions and presentations was held on Day 1 of the event. The technical session of the 10th Regional summit saw researchers and scientists came together to present academic papers and findings in the food value chain. A total of twenty-three (23) paper presentations were made (two (2) virtual presentations while twenty-one (21) scientists physically made presentations at the venue.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. (Mrs.) Elemo Gloria who was chairman of the occasion. Prof. Elemo was a former Director General at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research and in her time at the helm of affairs in FIIRO worked with researchers and came up with policies and research results that could potentially rescue our dear nation from the current food scarcity which plagues our country. She lamented about the currently increasing unsafe food practices resulting in consumption of unhealthy foods which has currently been implicated in the Cholera outbreak Lagos and Nigeria is facing. She further emphasized that “a country without food is gone…” and therefore urges the government to use the abundant resources in the country to feed the teeming population of the country. She further advised the government to come on board and make collaborative efforts with the Institute (NIFST) to utilize the various science of food to end unsafe foods and hunger in Nigeria.

The 2nd day of the event had a wide array of speakers addressing the theme of the event which was “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Foods for Nigerians through Food Science and Technology”. Mr. Oluyemi Oloyede (MD, UAC Foods Ltd) spoke about the major problems Nigeria is facing regarding food availability; these problems range from food scarcity, insecurity and high cost of living. These challenges he mentioned can be solved through agricultural innovations and open mindedness. He emphasizes the need for the nation to embrace food importation and not outrightly condemn it in its totality. According to the MD, Nigeria cannot grow or produce all the food needed by the populace hence the borders should be opened up for import and export trade between Nigeria and other countries of the world. He stressed the need for proper nutrition of children and young adults through the production of nutritious foods. He decried the low purchasing power of Nigerians as this has forced Nigerians to push good nutrition down the pecking order while ranking price, quantity and taste of food higher.

In another lecture, Dr. (Mrs.) Bukola Irurhe spoke on functional laboratory systems and the importance of proper research and analysis of foods. She stressed that inadequate laboratory facilities and outdated equipment hinders effective food safety monitoring and control. The importance and role of functional laboratory cannot be over emphasized as they are needed in churning out wholesome, healthy and novel foods to meet the nutritional requirements of different age groups. She however stated some potential setbacks which basically stems from costs and funds required to set up standard laboratory facilities. Despite this challenge, she was quick to point collaborations and partnerships as a way to solve this challenge. In her concluding remarks she stressed the needs for ISO certifications and accreditation of laboratories to meet global standards.

One of the sponsors over the years Ajinomoto Co. Inc., also presented a session stressing the relevance the company has put into good nutrition and heath for the populace. Miss. Franscisca Ikediashi stated that the aim of Ajinomoto Co. Inc., is to help people eat well so they can live well; this is done through amino-science. Hence products from the stable of Ajinomoto Co. Inc., is safe and healthy for consumption and consumers need have no fear about it.

As part of events marking NIFST Day celebrations, the Institute organizes debate competitions among secondary school students and this year had six schools in attendance. The debate saw students from different schools in Lagos metropolis debate on “the impact of food science on food sustainability”. Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja retained their crown as the winners of the debate competition. This competition was sponsored by Mr. Joshua Oyebode (MD, Nourrit Technologies) and Mr. Ibukun Ipinmoye (MD, FOODCOWA) who are Fellows of the Institute. Other side attractions include a quiz competition among students offering Food Science and Technology (FST) in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This year’s competition had students from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Ibadan, Yaba College of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University Ife, Mountain Top University and Bells University of Technology. The 1st runner up was Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife and the 2nd runner up was University of Ibadan. Mountain Top University (MTU) were crowned winners of the keenly contested quiz competition.
Side attractions of Lagos Chapter NIFST DAY celebrations has to be the exhibition stands where MSMEs were given the opportunity to showcase their products, goods as well as services. These MSMEs showcased value addition food commodities which are beneficial and healthy to consumers. The exhibition had about 30 exhibitors who had a great time and patronage during the event.

The Chairman of the NIFST Lagos Chapter Mr. Olugbenga Aina, was full of delight as his mantra for the chapter “UPSCALING NIFST” remains a driving force for success of the events and activities the chapter holds. He was full of praises and accoladed for the LOC ably led by Mrs. Taiwo Ubany.
With 2024 NIFST DAY concluded, the memories and take home will linger for a very long time and we hope that sooner rather than later, the campaign and relevance for positioning food professionals will be a thing of reality as a well-fed and healthy Nation is a wealthy Nation.

Follow NIFST Lagos Chapter on our social media handles to engage and collaborate with us. Follow us on Linkedin and Facebook on Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (Lagos Chapter); NIFST Lagos (on Instagram).

Compilled by:
OGUNJI, Akinyele (Publicity Secretary, NIFST Lagos Chapter)
OKEKE, Ifeoma Vivian (Website Administrator, NIFST Lagos Chapter)
OSANIPIN, Odunayo Hannah.

Cross Section of Members on Day 1 of the Event.

Cross Section of Fellows at 2024 NIFST Day Celebration. 

LOC Chairperson – Mrs Ubany Taiwo Giving Her Vote of Thanks. 

NIFST Executives Presenting an Award to Mr. Oluyemi Oloyede -Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UAC Foods Ltd., 2024 NIFST Day Keynote Speaker.

Chairman of 2024 NIFST Day Celebration – Mr. Ilyas Kazeem – Divisional Marketing Director, Food Division for Flour Mills of Nig. Plc., Giving His Opening Remark.

Panel of Judges At the Interschool Affirmative Debate 7.

Chapter Chairman – Mr. Aina Olugbenga, Giving the Opening Remark.

Formal LOC Chairperson – Mrs. Alaba Idowu Presenting an Award to the Participating Schools on Behalf of FOODCOWA, Sponsors of Debate.

NIFST Fellow and Sponsor of Debates; Mr. Joshua Oyebode, Presenting Trophy and Award to the Winners of the Debate.

NIFST Day Celebration Cake Sitting on Display.

NIFST 1st Vice President – Dr. Bola Osinowo with 2024 NIFST Day Chairman, Mr. Ilyas Kazeem-Divisional Marketing Director, Food Division for Flour Mills of Nig. Plc.