In his quest to boost the Agricultural sector and improve food production in Akinyele Local Government, Oyo state and beyond, The Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon Akinwole Akinleye yesterday took a proactive approach in curbing food insecurity ravaging the nation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA)‘s Deputy Director General of Partnership on Delivery, Dr Kenton Dashell.
The Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) aims to improve Collaboration between Akinyele Local Government and IITA in order to promote Food Safety at the grassroots.
In his Opening Remarks, Dr Kenton Dashell explained that International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an institution that generates Agricultural Innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing Challenges such as 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 Kenton Dashell Believes that people at the grassroots need more help and support to promote food safety practices in their communities. This necessitates the collaboration between the Local Government and IITA in their bids to amplify good health and wellness of Community Members.
In his Response, The Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon Akinwole Akinleye strongly believe that the collaboration will Advance Food and Nutrition Security for the people at the grassroot. He also assured the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA of his full support to the project.
In Recent times, The Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government has constantly reaffirmed his commitment to improve the Agricultural sector by partnering with Eleepo Community through the Eleepo Elite Farmers Association.
While Giving her vote of thanks, the Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa, Mrs Olumodupe Banwo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Council boss for his trust, collaboration and his vision.
Present at the programme alongside the Executive Chairman include The Head of Local Government Administration, Dr Busari, The Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Ladele, The Akinyele LG Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture, Hon Muhammed Oyetayo, The Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Ibikunle, Coordinator of Food Safety for Africa project and a Scientist at IITA, Dr Falade Amongst Others.