A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Oluwole Alawode, his counterpart at Akinleye Local Government, Hon. Wole Akinleye and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)’s Deputy Director General of Partnership for Delivery, Dr. Kenton Dashell to improve the food safety and sustainable food systems in Oyo State.
The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between the Local Governments and IITA in order to enhance food safety at the grassroot.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kenton Dashell explained that the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation.
According to him, IITA works with various partners across Africa to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, create employment, and preserve natural resource integrity.
Dr Dashell believes that people at the grassroot need more help and support to promote food safety practices in their communities.
So, this necessitates the collaboration between Local Government and IITA in their bids to amplify good health and wellness of community members.
In his response, Hon. Alawode emphasized the importance of the collaboration in safeguarding the health and welfare of the community members.
Hon. Alawode reiterates that the MoU signifies more than an agreement but also a testament to what the Institute and Local Government can achieve together in fostering food safety at the grassroot.
The Arole Omituntun then appreciated the Institution for it’s efforts to intensify well being of people of Oyo State. He then pledged his unrelenting commitment to the cause.
Delivering his own speech, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Wole Akinleye believes that the collaboration will advance food and nutrition security for the people at the grassroot. He also promised his full support to the project.
While giving vote of thanks, the Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa, Mrs Olumodupe Banwo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Chairmen for their trust, collaboration and shared vision.
Also at the programme were the Coordinator of Food Safety for Africa Project and a Scientist at IITA, Dr. Titilayi Falade, the Chief of Staff for Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Segun Oludaye, the Head of Local Government Administration for Ibadan South East and Akinyele Local Government, Dr. Agnes Olakunbi Ojo and Alhaja Risikat Busari respectively, the Director of Administration and General Services for Ibadan South East Local Government, Alhaja Tawakalitu Olufunke Adedotun, the Director of Agriculture, Mrs Oluyemisi Ogunbode to mention but few.
