…inaugurates Planning Committee
The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the planning committee to coordinate activities lined up for the celebration of the 2025 World Food Day in the state.
Speaking at the official inauguration held today at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the move was to ensure that this year’s celebration goes beyond the traditional October 16 observance, rather positioning it as a catalyst for lasting transformation in the state’s agricultural sector.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that World Food Day is celebrated globally every October 16 under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
He added that the 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” is a clarion call for collective action to address pressing challenges facing food systems and to work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions that guarantee food security, improved nutrition, and better livelihoods for citizens.
Commending Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing food security in the state, Barrister Olaleye explained that through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), the Ministry has implemented various strategic initiatives to ensure food availability and supply in line with the 2025 World Food Day theme.
He urged committee members to approach their responsibilities with innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to delivering an impactful celebration.
Earlier, in her welcome address,the Permanent Secretary,Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, who spoke through Director of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, emphasized that the celebration would be more than ceremonial, but a vital platform for raising awareness on food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Unveiling the programme of activities, she announced that the celebration will span five days as follows:
Day 1 (October 10): Jumat Service at the State Secretariat Mosque, Ibadan.
Day 2 (October 12): Special Sunday Service at St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, with prayers for farmers across the state.
Day 3 (October 14): Farmers’ Fitness Walk.
Day 4 (October 15): Agriculture Stakeholders’ Meeting and Symposium at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Day 5 (October 16): Grand Finale and Farmers’ Exhibition, where farmers will showcase their products.
She therefore called on all stakeholders and residents to participate fully, stressing that “when there is no food, there is no nation.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Kola Badmus, commended the Ministry for putting necessary structures in place and expressed optimism that this year’s celebration would be more impactful than previous editions.
Also, the chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State chapter, Mr. Adekunle Abass, pledged farmers’ cooperation and lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for consistently recognizing and celebrating the contributions of farmers.
The Steering Committee will be chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Welfare/Food Committee will be chaired by Mrs. Akinloye Olubukola, while the Security and Protocol Committee will be chaired by Mr. Tunde Lawal; the Brochures, Prints and Publicity Committee will be chaired by Mrs. Bunmi Aderibigbe in collaboration with the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Chief Ademola Babalola.;the Mobilisation Committee will be chaired by Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, while the Exhibition and Space Allocation Committee will be chaired by Mr. Peter Ewetola;the Exhibition and Award Committee will be chaired by Mr. Waidi Olatoye, with representatives from OYSADA.