Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As FUNAAB Celebrates 2025 World Food Day
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Wuraola Dada
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in driving agricultural innovation as a pathway to achieving sustainable food security.
Speaking today, October 16, 2025, during the University’s commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” Prof. Kehinde emphasised that the future of global food systems depends on the creativity, resilience, and technological ingenuity of young people. He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge required to transform agriculture into a modern, technology-driven enterprise capable of ensuring a food-secure Nigeria, and even for export.
He stated that the University, through the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) and other specialised centres, have continued to develop technologies and sustainable practices that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and protect natural resources.
Prof. Kehinde, a Plant Breeder and Geneticist, particularly charged the youths to embrace agriculture with renewed passion and creativity, describing them as “the next generation of innovators who will define the future of food.” He further urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those on Zero Hunger, No Poverty, Climate Action, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
Representing the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, the Director, Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. Abimbola ’Wunmi Okunneye, highlighted the importance of collaboration among researchers, farmers, and policymakers in achieving food security. She commended the Vice-Chancellor, partners, and the organising committee for their commitment to making the 2025 celebration impactful, reiterating that IFSERAR remained a hub for agricultural innovation.
In his Goodwill Message, Mr. Olugbenga Alayode, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU-FUNAAB Branch, and Chief Agricultural Officer, COBFAS, representing the Director of the Centre, emphasised that food is the foundation of life and well-being. “We are what we eat,” he said, commending IFSERAR for promoting dialogue and collaboration across agricultural value chains.
In his Keynote speech, Mr. Sarafa Banire, stressed that global food security depends on the adoption of sustainable innovations and inclusive policies. He called for greater investments in agricultural research, technology, and rural infrastructure to boost productivity and resilience.
Other discussants examined food insecurity challenges in Nigeria, highlighting gender inequality, poor governance, and rising population as major obstacles. They advocated stronger policy support for smallholder farmers, transparent governance, and the integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernise agriculture.
The 2025 World Food Day celebration at FUNAAB ended with a strong call to action, urging governments, institutions, and private stakeholders to work hand-in-hand towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and hunger-free future.
In attendance were Principal Officers, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; and Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga. They were joined by several FUNAAB students and participants from selected secondary schools, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS), among others.
