Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has pinpointed climate change, population growth, economic volatility, and outdated agricultural practices as key drivers of food insecurity in Nigeria.
He made this statement at the maiden Annual International Conference of the Faculty of Agriculture, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
Speaking through the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Chris Osakwe, Onyeme emphasized the urgency of building resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding shocks and feeding the growing population.
“Agriculture is more than an economic activity—it is the heartbeat of rural communities, the bedrock of national stability, and the pathway to sustainable development,” he said. “For Delta State, ensuring food security is not just a goal, but a strategic priority.”
Themed “Building Resilience Against Hunger: Addressing Nigeria’s Food Insecurity Challenges,” the conference served as a platform for robust dialogue and actionable strategies.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Ben Oghojafor called for collective action in tackling the crisis, stating, “Food insecurity has assumed a worrisome dimension and requires the participation of every Nigerian, including the academia. The solution is simple—own a farm.”
He revealed that the university mandates all agriculture students to engage in hands-on farming, allocating land plots and aquaculture resources for practical training.
Delivering the keynote, Prof. Eric Eboh stressed the need for systemic reform: “Breaking the vicious cycle of food insecurity requires paradigm shifts in policy, adequate funding, institutional coordination, and technology adoption.”
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Emmanuel Inoni, said the event was designed to spark innovative thinking, promote research, and share best practices to tackle Nigeria’s pressing agricultural challenges.
