It was another wonderful homecoming for all of us at the great citadel of learning, “LASUSTECH”, where the NIFST Lagos Chapter gathered once again at Ikorodu Zone for her monthly meeting. The guest speaker, Dr. Bolaji Olusola T., spoke on the topic “Save Food System – An Antidote to Future Hunger.”

The speaker began by reflecting on a class discussion four years ago, during which he remarked that we were cultivating hunger for the future due to the growing insecurity and banditry. What seemed like a casual discussion back then is now a harsh reality.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s hunger index stands at 28.3, which signifies a serious hunger crisis. He posed critical questions about what we are doing wrong and what we need to change to ensure food security for the future. Dr. Olusola emphasized that food security is not just about having food but ensuring that households have access to both quality and quantity at all times. He mentioned how some people might be food-secured in the morning but not in the afternoon, highlighting the common food patterns labeled as “001” or “101.”

He explained the acronym S.A.V.E- Strategic, Adequate, Versatile, and Economical, as a framework for a sustainable food system. He highlighted that the food system in Nigeria must be localized to fit our specific needs, and simply copying systems from other countries like the USA will not work for us. The food system, he said, is being held hostage by three major factors: climate change, conflicts, and economic shocks. These are the key challenges that threaten food security in Nigeria.

Dr. Olusola stressed the importance of strategic food production, guided by integrity. Without integrity, he explained, even well-intended policies will fail. He emphasized that food security means providing adequate food in both quantity and quality to meet the diverse nutritional needs of different demographic groups, such as children, the elderly, and the military.

Further more, he posed a provocative thought: food is either a necessity for sustenance, a form of medication, or it can be weaponized or even become a poison. In some conflict zones, food has been used as a weapon, and he warned that the same could happen here if we are not careful.

In conclusion, he stressed that for the S.A.V.E. system to work, there needs to be synergy among all stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, food processors, and consumers. He highlighted that young people must be involved in the food system, as recommended by the WHO and FAO in 2023, and he called for a unified curriculum in food science education to prepare future professionals better.

He stated that various interventions, such as improving storage, conflict management, and governance, are essential for achieving food security. He left us with a final thought: we must ask ourselves if we are close to solving these food system challenges, and if not, what actions we need to take urgently to secure our future.

Cross Section of NIFSTers at the Meeting.

Cross Section of Members at the Meeting.

Members of Mainland Zone in a Group Photograph.

Members of Ikeja Zone.

Mrs. Akanmu Bukola, Giving a Vote of Thanks.

The Speaker, Dr. Bolaji Olusola T. Making a Presentation on S.A.V.E Food System -an Antidote to Future Hunger.

NIFSTers at the Meeting

Members at the Meeting.

Members of Ikorodu Zone in a Group Photo.

Cross Section of Members at the Meeting.

Members of the High Table.

Okeke, Ifeoma Vivian NIFST-Lagos Chapter Website Administrator.