Food
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central/APC) on Friday in Ilorin called for a multi-dimensional approach and integration of technological innovation to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Mustapha made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Maiden International Conference (Hybrid) of the Faculty of Physical Science of the University of Ilorin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Renewable Energy and the Clean Environment: Panacea for Sustainable Development”.
The senator, who underscored the need for government reforms and stakeholders’ engagement, noted that Nigeria could chart a path towards more resilient, equitable and prosperous food stability.
“Renewable energy can enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and promote inclusive growth,” he said.
Also, Dr Bankim Tripathy of CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology at Bhubaneswar in India stated that industrial waste recycling was also a critical component of sustainable development.
She spoke, in her keynote address, on the sub-theme “Utilisation of Lean Grade Ores and Recycling of Industrial Waste Integrated with Circular Economy — Key to Sustainable Development”.
Tripathy disclosed that attempts had been made to utilise lean grade ores of manganese carbonate and manganese metal organic framework as catalyst and electrolytic manganese dioxide for electric vehicles.
According to her, aluminum dross from aluminum industry and fly ash from power plants have been recycled to make high value materials or chemicals.
Also, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, University of Ilorin’s Vice-Chancellor, who emphasised on energy’s importance to man’s survival, however noted that it was in the centre of discourse because of the astronomical costs.
Represented by Prof. Omotesho Abayomi, the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Egbewole said everything was tied to sustainable development to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.
He stated that the United Nations (UN) adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which touched various aspects of human development.
The Vice-Chancellor then emphasised on the need to ameliorate issues of sustainable development across the globe.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Alafara Baba, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, spoke on the need to address the challenges of the need for energy.
He added that this was linked to the imperativeness of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
“The theme of the conference underscores the significant roles renewable energy and a clean environment can play in driving sustainable development,” Baba said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/KOO/OLAL
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(Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Olawale Alabi)
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