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Category: Science & Tech

  • Sanwo-Olu calls for collaboration against substance abuse

    Sanwo-Olu calls for collaboration against substance abuse

    L-R: Dr Segun Oke, Assistant Commander General, Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Mrs. Omoleye Alake, Wife of the Hon. Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology; Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Mr. Mobolaji Ogundele, Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State; Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, at the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Stakeholder Conference in Lagos.

    Abuse

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday called for collaboration by stakeholders against substance and drug abuse.

    The governor made the call at the MTN  Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (MTN ASAP) stakeholders’ conference in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme is to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme: “Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”.

    The governor was represented by the Commissioner of Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende.

    Sanwo-Olu in his address said that stakeholders should pledge to work together, innovate continuously and remain steadfast in the nation to break  the cycle of drug abuse.

    He said that together all could transform the lives of the youth, ensuring that they grew in an environment that nurtured their dreams and aspiration.

    According to him, today’s conference  is a testament to the power of collaboration  by sharing insights and best practices that can be developed for a more effective solution and to amplify their word.

    ‘’As we continue on this international  day against drug abuse and illicit  trafficking, let us remember that  collective effort will shape the future of our nation, each one of us has a role to play in creating a drug-free society.

    ‘’The fight against drug abuse is not one that can be fought by government alone. It requires concerted efforts by all sectors of the society – parents, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, private sector and yourself sitting in this room.

    ‘’The MTN Foundation leadership in this endeavour exemplifies the type of Corporate Social Responsibility that is essential for meaningful change.

    “This conference will be a catalyst for renewed energy and collaboration in our fight, our collective fight, our unified fight against drug abuse,’’ he said.

    Sanwo-Olu commended MTN Nigeria,  which through its MTN Foundation and collaboration with stakeholders aimed at reducing the rate of first-time substance abusers among young Nigerians aged between 10 years and 25 years.

    According to him, the intervention hinges on awareness creation, information dissemination, stakeholders’ engagement and empowerment.

    ‘’I thank you for keeping a step in our administration to ensure that our goal of building a greater Lagos is realised. Today we stand united to confront this menace that threatens the very essence of our society,” he said.

    The governor noted that the approach by Lagos State was multidimensional; first, being emphasising education, awareness and integrating comprehensive drug education programmes in  schools and community centres.

    According to him, there is the need to inform youths about the dangers of drug abuse and empowerment.

    He said that secondly was strengthening the health and rehabilitation centres, investing in rehabilitation centres and trained professionals on supports and treatment to those affected.

    Sanwo-Olu said that thirdly was  fostering the culture of support and inclusivity through community  engagement and youth empowerment  initiatives.

    He urged the creation of an environment where young people could thrive, fight pressure and build resilience against substance abuse.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said that MTN ASAP had been on for five years, adding that every nation had come out to tackle  its citizens’ attitude to drug abuse in its own way.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi said that the foundation had been at the forefront of addressing  the issue from time to time, and in spite of the efforts being made, the problem still persisted.

    He said that the challenge was to ensure that the environment did not drive people back to drug.

    “I am pleased on behalf of the foundation to support the programme and appreciate the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for consistently being with us,’’ the chairman said.

    The Chairman, NDLEA, Col. Buba Marwa, in his goodwill message, appreciated the MTN Foundation’s efforts in the fight against drug abuse, saying he was particularly happy about the partnership.

    Marwa was represented by Dr Segun Oke, Assistant Commander-General, Narcotics, NDLEA.

    The Deputy Country Representative, UNODC, Mr Damilo Campisi, in his address, said that Nigeria must invest heavily in prevention of drug abuse. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/COF

    =========

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • FG tasks stakeholders on cybersecurity management

    Cybersecurity

    By Olasunkanmi Onifade

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on relevant stakeholders to be proactive in preventing cybersecurity threats in the country.

    Ribadu said this on Tuesday at the Cybersecurity Forum, organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Abuja.

    The theme of the forum titled ” Intelligence Initiatives and Strategies for National Cyber Security Management’.

    The NSA was represented by the Director of Communications, Office of the National Security Officer (ONSA), Maj.- Gen. Samad Akinsode,

    He said: “Effective cyber security management hinges on robust intelligence. Others have invested in advanced straight intelligence platforms that enable us to gather, analyse and share critical threats intelligence with the relevant stakeholders.

    “By leveraging on artificial intelligence, and machine learning, these platforms can predict potential cyber attacks and provide actionable insights.

    ” Cyber security is a collective responsibility that requires a whole of government and a whole of society approach. This simply tells us that cyber security is not one man’s business,” Ribadu said.

    He said there was need to continue to conduct sensitisation and awareness programmes by educating citizens and businesses on cyber security hygiene while engaging public private sector collaboration as well.

    Ribadu said NCS emergency response team known as the engine search which was the foundational component of the national cyber security coordination centre was the focal point for the national cyber incidents management.

    “The engine search facilitates real-time exchange of threats intelligence best threats practices on cyber security related incidences with various stakeholders in the public and private domain.

    “Furthermore, the engine search operates the national cyber emergency monitoring system for effective detection, identification and interception of cyber threats.

    ” It shares cyber threats intelligence with the sectoral computers security incident response team and other relevant private sector players for comprehensive responses as appropriate,” he said.

    The Director-General, State Security Security (SSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, said the importance of cyber security could not be over-emphasised, adding that the world continue to face different dimension of cyber threats.

    Bichi, who was represented by the Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communication of DSS, Mr Peter Afunanya, said cyber security was meant for possible reasons but the criminally minded people had exploited the good purposes.

    He said NCS was a strategic partner to DSS, saying that there was need to mitigate the challenges emanating from the cyber space particularly in area of national security management, financial crime, fake news and other manipulations .

    Bichi called on NCS to look inward by carry out research to bring up solution to solve all activities of criminality, adding that the nation would be safer place.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented, DSP Usman Iman, said cybercrimes being  committed had necessitated for countries, agencies, organisations to come together to deliberate on safety and security in the cyber space.

    The Director-General, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, advocated process improvement online as well as automation processes.

    ” Automation is double edge sword which presents the opportunity for service excellence and process improvement.

    ” The only mitigation we have is capacity training and building of our people both the end user and professionals and that is why this forum is of utmost importance because the human resources involved.

    ” It is not just investing naira on cyber security tools without building the capacity of the people,the investment will come to waste.”

    The director-general was represented by the Director, Intelligence Strategic Data Mining and Analysis Development of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mr Kola Okunola.

    He said the forum would give stakeholders opportunity to brainstorm on strategies on insider control, tools, techniques used in cyber space.

    The President of NCS, Mr Muhammad Aliyu, said the purpose of the forum was to gather together to discuss national issues related to cybersecurity in the country.

    He said NCS is an umbrella of all ICT professionals which thrives over the decades in promoting different ICT advancement in the country.

    According to him, the cybersecurity forum and others are key flagship programmes of NCS. (NAN)

    OEO /ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

     

     

  • Commission urges Nigerians to trust national identification systems

    Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, some dignitaries and media representatives at the one year implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act

     

    Identity

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on Nigerians to trust the data collection and digital identification systems by the government.
    The commission said that the call became necessary as the national identification systems served as foundational identification means to protect their information.
    Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji,  said this on Tuesday at a news conference to mark the one year implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that NDPA bill was signed as an Act of parliament by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023.
    Olatunji said this was a major achievement and requirement for the country to participate in the comity of nations in the area of digital identification.
    He said that issue of privacy was still vague to a lot of citizens which was not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that people needed to repose confidence in the process of digital identification.
    “On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the bill as an act of Parliament and that was a testament that this ecosystem is beyond anybody. It is a global phenomenon that no forward looking country can afford to neglect.
    “We are grateful that President Tinubu understands the power of technology which is at the bedrock of anything you do, digital technology is the foundational identity.
    “An average transitional Nigerian needs the National Identification Number which is the foundational identity.
    “It is that foundational identity that institutions that collect data reference when the need arises and which is why we need to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for it to work.
    “If people don’t believe in digital identity, there is no way they will understand your message on data privacy,” he said.
    He said the government was working on having a proper data interface for easy interoperability.
    Olatunji said that the rights of Nigerians was important to the government, hence signing of the Act which had brought positive impacts.
    “Signing the law gave us more credibility in the new administration and that is why we have attracted lots of attention within Nigeria and across the globe.
    “The remarkable thing about the law is that we applied for the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in 2022 as a bureau and our application was rejected because we did not have a National legislation on data protection.
    “Having been accredited less than one year now, Nigeria is on the front page of the GPA’s news letter for this quarter which is a big deal for us.
    “The law legitimised the NDPC and we have gained global recognition, and in terms of economic value, we have an ecosystem that is worth over N10 billion now. The law has positioned Nigeria for digital presence,” he said.
    Speaking on the benefits of the law to Nigeria, he said the commission gained the opportunity to host Data Protection Officers (DPOs) across Africa on a conference in May 2025.
    Olatunji said the conference would impact the economic value of the country in the areas of tourism and culture, perception of the  country at the global level and foreign direct investment.
    “In terms of job creation and training, we have done a lot to ensure we deepen data protection in Nigeria.
    “Part of what we are doing in the ministry is to train 10,000 public servants on responsible data management which the portal is already open.
    “We have also licensed a national certification body that has been designed in a way that there is something for everyone no matter your career.
    “We are going to launch the free training of 1000 DPOs that will be certified trainers which the process is ongoing and the portal will soon be open and that is part of the job creation initiative of the President,” Olatunji said.
    According to him, there are so many things coming to this ecosystem and this is one good thing coming out of Nigeria and we all should support the process.
    Mr Solomon Odole, Project Coordinator for Nigerian Digital Identification for Development (ID4D), said the news conference was an opportunity to create more awareness on data privacy.
    “There are a lot of people that hear about this but they don’t understand the content of the law and its provisions.
    “This is an opportunity to pass the message that we are interested in their personal information as citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
    Odole said that the ID4D project was ready to support the commission to discharge its mandate and ensure that citizens’ personal information were safeguarded.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    NIU/ADA
    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
    ====

  • Airtel Africa, Network international partner on payment processing

    Partnership
    By Funmilola Gboteku
    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Airtel Africa, a telecoms and mobile money services company, has partnered the Network International, an enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, as its payment processor.
    Airtel Africa said this in a statement signed by Mr Ian Ferrao, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Money, on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Ferrao said the collaboration was set to drive Airtel’s continued provision of cutting-edge mobile services across the continent and beyond.
    He noted that Airtel Africa would be well equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital finance, drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to its users and stakeholders with the partnership.
    According to him, Network International’s expertise spans across 50 countries including 40 in Africa, serving over 200 financial institutions, and facilitating over 1.6 billion transactions.
    “Its in-depth knowledge of the African market makes it an ideal partner for Airtel Africa.
    “Network International will roll out its services in key Airtel Africa markets, covering card issuance products and providing technical support.
    “This includes a comprehensive range of services such as transaction processing, card hosting and management, online fraud prevention, internal reconciliation,settlement and online access for Airtel users, “Ferrao said.
    He explained that the solution would offer Airtel Africa’s users the convenience and ease of accessing a wide range of both conventional mobile services and new digital payment services all through a smooth and elevated customer experience.
    “We are thrilled to partner with Network International to enhance our payment processing capabilities.
    “This collaboration will enable us to deliver a superior customer experience and drive digital financial inclusion across Africa,” he said.
    According to Ferrao, Network International’s proven track record and deep understanding of the African market will allow Airtel to innovate and scale services more effectively.
    He added that together, both companies would empower users with seamless and secure payment solutions, fostering economic growth and inclusion in communities.
    Dr Reda Helal, the Group Managing Director Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, described the partnership as a major milestone.
    “Our collaboration with Airtel marks a major milestone for our outsourced payments services in Africa.
    “It demonstrates our ability to successfully serve Mobile Network Operators via our fully-fledged processing solutions and our continued dedication and commitment to the African region.
    “We are excited to support Airtel’s growth strategy and its business development plans for the entire continent,” Helal said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FOG/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Democracy Day: Expert tasks govts on skilled workforce

    Dr John Nwafor, Managing Director, Metrodigital Ltd.

     

    Democracy

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A medical expert, Dr John Nwafor, has urged government at all levels to invest in  training programmes in order to build a skilled workforce that will add value to global economies.

    Nwafor gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the celebration of the nation’s Democracy Day slated for June 12.

    He said building a highly skilled and educated workforce was very important in a global community and would enable Nigeria compete favourably.

    He noted that companies in advanced countries such as the United States, Canada and Britain among others , outsource some of the Information Technology (IT) jobs in countries like Malaysia and India.

    “The reason they are going there is because these countries have a highly educated workforce, which can be easily trained to do some of the tasks that would had been done in their countries.

    “So, we want the government to look into how to improve our educational systems and training programmes to enable us compete with all these countries.

    “Many companies channel money into these countries to hire their workers, to set up infrastructure to do all these in these places,” he said.

    Nwafor, who is the Managing Director, Metrodigital Ltd., said Nigeria needed to make more investments in terms of improving the educational sector.

    He said that if Nigeria had a highly trained workforce, companies like Microsoft would come and carry out their software development.

    According to him, companies like Apple and others can also come to invest in the country as a result of the trained and skillful workforce.

    Metrodigital boss also lauded Nigeria’s hard earned democracy in the last 25 years, saying democracy had indeed brought dividends to Nigerians.

    He said with democracy, government was able to revolutionalise the telecom industry which led to massive investment in telecom infrastructure in the country.

    According to him, the telecom giants like MTN, Globacom, 9mobile, Airtel among others have dominated the Nigerian telecom market.

    He said that they brought affordable telecommunication services to almost every part of Nigeria.

    “There has been tremendous progress made in the financial services sector, as new companies such as PayPal, Flutterwave, Opay, Moniepoint among others, have also emerged in the last few years.

    “These have really revolutionalised financial services in a way, making e-commerce possible and with the advent of Fintech, people can now sit back in their homes and make orders in Jumia or Konga.

    “Every market woman or man can have his/her Point of Sales(POS) and be able to accept credit card payments.

    “These are all improvements in technology that emerged over the last several years as a result of democracy in the country,” Nwafor said.

    He urged governments to continue to make more progress by creating more enabling environment for more companies to thrive.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SET/OJI/ADA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab
    ======

  • NASRDA advocates astronomy studies for blind, visually impaired

     

    Astronomy

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has urged blind and visually impaired students to embrace the study of astronomy.

    Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity Centre of NASRDA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    CBSSA is domiciled in the premises of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State.

    Okere said that the education of disabled students, especially the blind, would ensure the government was working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

    The director said that astronomy for the blind targeted the attainment of SDG-4 which was on inclusive and quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities.

    “Astronomy and space science education are not limited to gender, race, or disability, but for all.

    “We feel there is need to expose this vision impaired people to these careers.

    “There is space media, space law, space tourism; especially now that we can achieve a lot using AI.’’

    He recalled that the drive to draft blind and visually impaired students into studying astronomy prompted them to host a two-day hands-on workshop titled Astro-Tac on May 17 and 18.

    Okere explained Astro-Tac as the study of astronomy that involved feeling.

    “This is a project that captures education for all; giving everybody opportunity to learn.

    “Under SDGs, there is inclusive education and this project captures that aspect, access to education because you can’t deny these people access to certain level of education.”

    The director added that they got inspired by Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced, an Astronomer from Postorico, known for using sonification to turn large data sets into audible sound.

    She said that in her quest to know about astronomy, she was able to collaborate with people and write a programme that could translate radiations from the stars into sound.

    “This means that anybody in any field of study can do astronomy, and that is why we now have astro biology, astro chemistry, astro tourism, all incorporated.

    “We are looking at spreading to other parts of the country where we have the visually impaired educated on careers in astronomy irrespective of your status,” Okere said.

    He said that they were working on spreading the programme to other parts of the country, adding the it was the maiden edition.

    He said they had no fewer than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate students drawn from different departments and Department of Students With Special Needs of UNN that participated in the programme.

    The workshop lectures centred on pale blue dot, astronomy education for mental health and wellbeing, women in space science.

    The tactile learning was on telescope types, the moon, the sun, galaxies, black holes, and the solar system planets, which included making solar system bracelets, among others.

    The workshop was sponsored by the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NIU/CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • Agency’s branded products market ready- NASENI

    Khalil Halilu, NASENI EVC and members of the committee on NASENI

    Products

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 7, 2024(NAN) Mr. Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) said the agency’s branded products certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are ready for the market.

    This is contained in a statement by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, NASENI’s Director of information issued on Friday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, the executive vice chairman disclosed this when the House Committee on NASENI paid an oversight visit to the agency’s  headquarters  to inspect its products and projects, on Thursday in Abuja.

    It noted that NASENI laptop, android smartphone, lithium battery, LED solar street light, solar irrigation system, electric bicycle, electric Keke, (passenger and cargo types), were among the products recently unveiled.

    “Over the past few months, we have implemented several key initiatives aimed at transforming our operations from primarily research-based activities to commercialisation  of our products and services.

    “This transformation is essential for us to contribute more effectively to the national economy and to achieve sustainable development goals,” Halilu was quoted in the statement.

    It also added that about 35 products of  the NASENI under the watch of the executive vice chairman, were market ready.

    “We are ready for Nigerian market, also, we are establishing show-rooms in all the 36-states of the federation,  for the marketing of our products.

    “Every activity we do, we have commercial plan. We don’t want our products to end up in shelves, but to get to the end users,” the statement further said.

    Mr Abimbola Ajilesoro, Chairman, House Committee on NASENI said their visit was to interact with the agency toward a  robust research in technological advancement,  in  the defense and security sector, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors.

    He pledged the committee’s readiness to support the agency in the areas of appropriation and legislative framework,  that would strengthen the Establishment Act,  to enable the agency  deliver effectively.(NAN)

    SET/CCN/EAL
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

     

  • NITDA inaugurates 9-member c’ttee for Start-up Act Implementation

  • Why varsities should adopt astronomy studies – NASRDA

    Why varsities should adopt astronomy studies – NASRDA

    Astronomy

    By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on Friday called on universities across the country to consider including Astronomy studies in its curriculum for technological advancement.

    Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA), an activity centre of NASRDA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    According to Okere, very few universities offer Astronomy studies, while the students graduating from the course are left with no option but to seek employment outside the country.

    The director said that NASRDA was engaging with schools across the country to encourage them to include astronomy courses in their curriculum.

    “We are engaging Nigerian universities to see how they can include Astronomy in their curriculum, because now, we have a handful of schools offering astronomy course.

    “We need to invest in astronomy because investing in astronomy means investing in space science technology, and any nation that invests in astronomy is keying into technology development.

    “If we have universities that do astronomy, when our students graduate, they will have where to teach.

    “Some of them when they finish, they leave the country and cause brain drain in that area, but the moment universities introduce it, there will be jobs and economic development,’’ he said.

    According to Okere, space science technology is not only dependent on launching satellites into space, but comprises of the study of objects in space, hence, astronomy.

    “Every object in space has an address and some of these addresses are invisible to human eyes and where we cannot reach.

    ” To build equipment that can reach such objects that are billions of kilometers away, requires technological advancement and investment in astronomy.

    “In Nigeria, we assume space science technology is all about satellite launching, which is looking down, we are not looking up which is where you can develop your technology.

    “If our country has to key into technology advancement like in other climes, that is why we need to introduce astronomy course in our universities and it will create jobs,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NIU/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Institute seeks support for government policies to boost food industry

    Institute seeks support for government policies to boost food industry

    Food

    By Olasunkanmi Onifade

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Abuja, has sought stakeholders’ support for government policies in research and innovation to ensure favourable regulatory environment for food industry.

    The President of NIFST, Prof. Joseph Abu, made the call during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit (ReFOST), and NIFST’s Day celebration in Abuja.

    The theme of the Summit is “the role of food science and Technology professionals in the sustainability and security of food with high Nutritional Benefits to man’’.

    Abu regretted that in the face of abundant natural resources and a rich agricultural heritage, Nigeria was still grappling with the challenges of ensuring that every citizen had access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.

    According to him, food security and nutritional wellbeing are fundamental human rights and represent the cornerstone of sustainable development.

    “This partly explains why the role of food scientists and technologists is indispensable.

    “We can still achieve together with other stakeholders in our collective quest to bring all forms of hunger to an end in this country and beyond,’’ Abu said.

    He emphasised that through research development and deployment of existing and new technologies, food professionals must strive to enhance the nutritional profile of foods.

    He added that foods professionals must scale up relevant innovations that would make food nutritious more accessible to every segment of the population.

    “As the challenges we face in achieving sustainable food and nutrition security are complex and interwoven, fostering collaboration among stakeholders is essential.

    “In addition, government policies must support research and Innovation, provide incentives for sustainable practices and ensure a favorable regulatory environment for the food industry,” Abu said.

    He, however, said academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead scientific research, development and innovation, providing the knowledge and tools needed to address current and future challenges.

    Abu said that private partners sector, including food producers, processors and retailers, should play the critical role of bringing innovations to the market and ensuring their widespread adoption.

    He said NIFST remained committed to supporting educational initiatives, professional development programmes, and research endeavors that empowered members, adding that capacity building was also important.

    Abu, who said investing in the education and training of the youths was necessary, added that the country was preparing the next generation of food scientists and technologists as well as entrepreneurs who would move the food industry forward.

    The Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Mrs Agnes Asagbra, said some of the challenges of food security include climate change impact, erratic rainfall patterns increased frequency of droughts and land degradation.

    Asagbra, represented by an Assistant Director from the Agency, Mrs Blessing Aligwekwe, said millions of metric tons of food were lost or wasted in Sub-Saharan African each year.

    The Director-General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Ifeanyi Okeke, said food safety was paramount and directly impact the health and wellbeing of individuals across the country

    Okeke, represented by the Principal Standard Officer of SON, Mrs Chiamaka Anyagwa, urged all Food Science and Technology professionals to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability in production and distribution of food products.

    The FCT chapter Chairman of NIFST, Mrs Promise Ogbonna, said the food summit was organised annually for the celebration of the birth of NIFST by deliberating on vital and current issues that affect food safety, food security advancement in food science and technology.

    She said the chapter had engaged in sensitisation campaigns at market places and abattoirs.

    “Our food safety approaches must be measured by evaluating our processes, products, ingredients, packaging materials, processing aids and product contact surfaces.

    “We must identify potential hazards and put action in place to eliminate them,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OEO/OIF/AMM

    ==============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru