By Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, September 27, 2024, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nourished Choice Foods (NCF) to address the rising food costs and also enhance food production and distribution in Nigeria.
Nourished Choice Foods, a Lagos-based company delivering high-quality food products to Nigerian consumers, is led by Mr. Olabode Orolu, an alumnus of FUNAAB.
During the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasising FUNAAB’s commitment to achieve success. He noted that while FUNAAB has partnered with numerous organisations, he was particularly pleased to work with entities that maintained strong ties with the University.
Prof. Kehinde urged NCF to work hand-in-hand with FUNAAB in combating food insecurity for the benefit of all Nigerians, stressing the University’s dedication to integrity and openness. He encouraged NCF to share innovative business ideas that would benefit the wider community.
In his address, Mr. Orolu, the Managing Director of NCF, expressed joy in partnering with his alma mater. According to him, the partnership began as an idea in January 2024 and has made significant progress with 1,000 birds.
He revealed that the initiative included monthly production of 1,000 broilers that would be raised on FUNAAB’s Farm, to reach 2kg in seven weeks.
Mr. Orolu further stated that NCF would handle processing, packaging, and storage using the University’s facilities, while processed broilers would be transported to Lagos and other markets.
The partnership also included a fish production initiative, targeting 1kg of fish within five months, to be harvested every month and marketed by NCF.
Earlier, the Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, saying that the first 1,000 birds have been processed, and the 1,000 fingerlings have been stocked in one of the reactivated ponds.
Dr. Bankole also noted that the partnership has led to the full utilisation of FUNAAB’s Processing Unit and equipment, adding that students have also been involved to inspire practical agricultural experiences among them.
Following the signing of the MoU, the Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Bankole took Mr. Orolu on a guided tour of the Broiler Processing Unit, where Mr. Ibrahim Ogunlusi, a Chief Agricultural Officer explained the processes involved in broiler breeding and processing.
During the tour, Mr. Ogunlusi stated that the Facility had also been inspected and certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
