A Professor of Animal Nutrition in the Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Prof. Adeyemi Bamgbose has called for critical evaluation, assessment of the impact and output of different agricultural policies, aimed at the overall improvement and sustainability of agriculture in Nigeria.
Delivering the University’s 65th Inaugural Lecture titled, “Feeds and Feedstuffs: Panacea for Declining Commercial Animal Agriculture and Food Insecurity in Nigeria”, Prof. Bamgbose stated that proper evaluation of the nation’s agricultural policies will help ensure food security for the Nigerian populace.
According to him, “The task ahead of Nigeria livestock sub-section and agriculture in its totality is multifarious and challenging, and success will only be achieved through re-orientation, commitment, dedication, sacrifice, honesty, accountability, adequate funding, motivation and cooperation of all Nigerians, in particular and the International Community in general”.
The Inaugural Lecturer said there is the need to harness the available unconventional cum alternative feed resources localised in different eco-systems and regions in Nigeria for utilization in the efficient and sufficient nutrition of farm animals, for improved productive and economic performance.
He added that the necessity to improve the current animal production systems in Nigeria cannot be disputed, stressing that there is a great need for more food in the country particularly, more animal products.
The Inaugural Lecturer further disclosed that unconventional feed resources are edible wastes either directly or indirectly from the industry or from the farm, noting that if the disposal of many of the by-products are not properly handled, it will become environmental nuisance as a result of increasing urbanization and population growth.
Prof. Bamgbose proposed that if the resources are well-designed and executed, Nigeria may begin to attain self-sufficiency in the processed wastes as feeds, thereby exporting to other African countries while generating more foreign exchange.
He added that the utilization of some important unconventional feedstuffs through improved feeding regimes and the management practices could also be used to improve the productivity of monogastric animals which would stimulate human productivity, engender development and increase Gross Domestic Products (GDP), stressing that this will help in accentuating economic recovery and food security, so that
Nigeria can join the league of advanced countries in the world in no distance future.
According to him, the effective utilization of products and by-products which do not compete as food for man is central to the availability of feeds/feedstuffs to reduce cost of feeding monogastric animals to bring about the much needed development and availability of animal protein at affordable prices for the Nigerian populace.
The Don however called for the re-introduction and commercialisation of branded FUNAAB feeds to guarantee availability of quality feeds to livestock farmers, adding that commercialisation of poultry and rabbit production is an avenue to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the University, ensure farm fresh animal products like meat and eggs among others for the University Community and the nation at large.
According to him, “Just like it is done for FUNAAB Bread and FUNAAB Water, we can have FUNAAB Poultry and rabbit products with retail cuts available to our esteemed students and general public at affordable prices”. He also called for the establishment of Agricultural Village on the University Farm under the management of the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS) to be involved in Agribusiness ventures and enterprises, adding that they can also be involved in training, workshop, certificate courses, about-to-retire entrepreneurship, production, processing, preservation, packaging, youth/women empowerment and marketing.
The Inaugural Lecturer however appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako and other Principal Officers of the University for their Loving Thoughts and tireless efforts in making the University among the best despite all odds.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor in his Introductory Remarks stated that the 65th Inaugural Lecturer is an Animal Nutritionist who has worked extensively on the use of protein and energy feedstuffs in livestock nutrition.
He described him as a fine gentleman, an accomplished scholar, a thorough-bred academic, a dedicated teacher, and a researcher of great repute who has made significant contributions to Monogastric Nutrition in Nigeria.
PHOTOSPLASH OF FUNAAB 65TH INAUGURAL LECTURE
1. Prof. Kolawole Salako, Vice-Chancellor delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s address during the 65th Inaugural Lecture..
2. Respect: The Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Adeyemi Bamgbose doffing his cap in obeisance to the audience at the commencement of the Lecture.
3. Wife of the Inaugural Lecturer (first right), Mrs. Omolara Bamgbose with immediate family members at the event.
4. L – R: Prof. Kolawole Salako, Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Dr. ‘Bola Adekola digesting the Feeds and Feedstuff core from the lecture.
5. Mother of the Inaugural Lecturer Alhaja Fausat Tiamiyu Bamgbose (second left), with the step-mother (third left) and other extended family members at the Inaugural Lecture.
