by Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has charged the Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology NIFST to be at the forefront of reengineering food security across the nation.
Governor Otti who gave the charge at Government House Umuahia, when he received the members of NIFST, urged them to come up with creative ideas on how to tackle food crisis in the nation and across Africa.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while welcoming the delegates who are in Abia for the 47th conference and annual general meeting of the institute, disclosed that his administration is at the forefront of remodelling agriculture with greater emphasis on mechanized agriculture and preservation of farm products.
The State Chief Executive while describing the theme of the conference, ” Nigeria Food for Global Market” as apt, commended the institute for harnessing the abundance of talents, knowledge and skills among food professionals in the nation, towards ensuring food sufficiency and healthy nutrition of citizens and further assured of governments support and partnership in their programs.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Chief Nwaka Inem, the Principal Secretary/Chief Strategy Officer, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr Charles Egonye who identified food as one of the essential needs of man, stressed the need for adequate dissemination of knowledge among food scientists and technologists and wished them a fruitful conference in the state.
In his address, the President of the Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology NIFST, Prof. Joseph Oneh Abuh, said the institute is a non-profit making body representing food professionals drawn from the academia, industry, government and research institutes in Nigeria, pointing out that they are in the state for the 47th conference and annual general meeting of the institute.
Prof. Abuh explained that the institute is charged with the responsibility of promoting the development and application of science and technology to every aspect of food, and commended Governor Otti for his giant strides which is visible in all facets of the state economy.
In a vote of thanks, the Local Organizing Committee Chairperson, Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi commended Governor Alex Otti for his leadership acumen and warm reception accorded them.
The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof. M.O Iwe, among other notable personalities were present during the meeting.
