In order to turn Osun State to a food basket of the Nation, as well as ensuring food security and improving community health development, the State Government, through the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Affairs, has organised a state-wide training on Food and Nutrition.
The one-day training which was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Abeere also witnessed the distribution of improved agricultural seedlings to community stakeholders across the state.
The State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Aare Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa Asejere, who declared the workshop open, underscored the nutritional importance of local foods and the need to return to indigenous, health-enhancing dietary habits.
Aare Olaoluwa, who described the programme as part of the Imole Rural Agenda, was designed to foster inclusive development, empower local food producers, and ensure the long-term health of Osun rural dwellers while thanking Governor Ademola Adeleke of the state, for approving the initiative and continuously supporting programmes that uplift rural communities in the state.
The Commissioner noted that the governor’s approval has been a testament to his grassroots-centered leadership and his dedication to transforming rural livelihoods across the state.
According to Aare Olaoluwa, “Governor Adeleke has remained consistent in his commitment to rebuilding the workforce, empowering local communities, and ensuring that no part of Osun State is left behind in the agenda for development”.
The Commissioner in his address encouraged participants to apply their training to improve efficiency and performance in their respective roles while urging them to always make good use of the opportunity provided by the training to enhance their knowledge and build their skills on food and nutrition.
The two-part training featured an opening ceremony and technical lecture sessions, with resourceful presentations from subject-matter experts. Dr. Mrs. Otitoola delivered a session on “The Use of Available Local Food Items for Preparation of Nutritional Foods in Rural Communities”, while Mrs. Morenike Onaolapo presented on “Good Agricultural Practice: A Panacea for Sustainable Food Security and Wealth Creation for Rural Dwellers.”
Each section of the training equipped participants with practical and theoretical tools needed to improve nutritional standards and promote sustainable agriculture at the community level.
Dignitaries present at the event included: Hon. Nurudeen Emiloju, Special Adviser to the Governor on CSDA, Hon. Ismail Ademola Adeleke, Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Falode, SSA on RARA, Hon. Gbenga Ajayi, SSA on CSDA, Hon. Musa Sulaimon Bello, and SSA on Community Engagement
Alhaji Salam Agbajelola.
Others includes, Hon. Adigun Olaide, PA to the Honourable Commissioner, Members of the Community Development Councils (CDC), Director of Community Development, Mrs Bamidele Akinola, Other Directors, Deputy Directors, Other CDC Excos and other members of staff of the Ministry.
