Last Updated on September 19, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As 27th HERAN Conference Begins in FUNAAB
By Olaoye Oyewole, Joy Adeyiga & David Johnson
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for the adoption of effective, technology-driven strategies to strengthen Nigerian families and empower households to respond to emerging social and economic challenges.
The Minister made the call today, September 17, 2026, at the Opening Ceremony of the 27th International Annual Conference of the Home Economics Research Association of Nigeria (HERAN), hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the theme, “Family Empowerment Strategies and Emerging Technologies: Viable Options and Research Imperatives.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olufunso Obianu, who also presented the Minister’s Keynote Address, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the family as fundamental to societal development, stressing that sustainable national development begins with strong, resilient and empowered households.
She noted that the conference was particularly timely as its theme aligns with the Ministry’s focus on family empowerment, especially through the development of effective strategies, supportive policies and appropriate technologies capable of strengthening families and improving household wellbeing.
The Minister emphasised the need for stakeholders to explore emerging technologies as instruments for empowering women, youths and families, while ensuring that technological advancement is matched with research, appropriate policies and responsible application.
Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, commended HERAN for selecting FUNAAB as host of the 2026 conference, highlighting the growing relevance of innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to family and social development, particularly in equipping young adults, youths and women with knowledge and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.
He urged participants to engage actively in the conference and use the platform to develop practical, research-based interventions capable of addressing contemporary challenges confronting families and society.
In her Address, the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu, expressed delight at hosting the international gathering, highlighting the College’s expertise, facilities and academic resources. She assured participants of the University’s hospitality and encouraged them to take advantage of the available support throughout their stay.
In her speech, the President of HERAN, Prof. Priscilla Ezema, appreciated the Management of FUNAAB, COLFHEC, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Local Organising Committee for their contributions towards the successful hosting of the conference.
Prof. Ezema recalled that HERAN was established in 2000, with Prof. Elizabeth Anyakoha as its founding President, noting that the Association had remained committed to promoting professional excellence, research capacity and the advancement of Home Economics and other family-oriented professions.
She described the 2026 conference theme as highly relevant, observing that emerging technologies provide significant opportunities for family empowerment, while simultaneously presenting new challenges requiring research-driven and responsible responses.
Delivering the lead paper, Prof. Kolawole Soyebo examined the imperative of empowering the next generation in a rapidly evolving technological environment. He stressed the need to equip Generation Z and Generation Alpha with relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.
Prof. Soyebo further noted that Home Economics had evolved beyond its traditional perception as a discipline centred on domestic activities, emerging as a dynamic field contributing to empowerment, digital competitiveness, innovation and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards to the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), CON; Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof. Lateef Sanni; and the Vice-President of Operations at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. Olagunju Ashimolowo, in recognition of their contributions and achievements.
The conference also featured a cultural presentation by the FUNAAB Theatre Troupe, adding colour and cultural expression to the international gathering.
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