Hon. Ayodeji DF Oluleye, Convener of the Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group, Founder of the Global Pest Management Conference, and CEO of Dfortune Pest Solutions Ltd, has reiterated the urgent need for a coordinated national approach toward achieving food security, food safety, and food sovereignty in Nigeria.
Speaking as a Guest Speaker at the 2025 World Food Day Celebration organized by the Cross River State Government Liaison Office, Lagos, Hon. Oluleye delivered a keynote lecture titled “Food Security, Food Safety and Food Sovereignty in Nigeria.”
This year’s World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” focused on promoting sustainable food systems, inclusive agricultural growth, and environmental stewardship across all sectors.
In his address, Hon. Oluleye emphasized key issues including the abuse of pesticides, safe pesticide use, post-harvest crop protection, and the need for improved storage facilities to reduce waste and enhance food preservation. He further highlighted the importance of organic farming, banning dangerous agrochemicals, and encouraging innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen agricultural efficiency and food value chains.
He also called for greater investment in agro-finance, both at micro and macro levels, and for stronger policies to reduce export rejections of Nigerian agricultural produce through improved safety standards and certification systems.
Hon. Oluleye commended the Governor of Cross River State, and the Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. (Mrs.) Esther Bepeh, for their visionary leadership and commitment to advancing food sustainability, youth empowerment, and community-based agricultural initiatives.
He reiterated that true food sovereignty requires local participation, innovation, and governance that empower farmers and protect consumers — ensuring that “no Nigerian goes hungry in a land so richly blessed.”
Signed:
Hon. Ayodeji DF Oluleye
Convener, Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group
Founder, Global Pest Management Conference
CEO, Dfortune Pest Solutions Ltd
