ABU Zaria Holds Lecture on Agriculture and Food Security

by Yesirat Ayoola Taiwo 

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, in preparation for its 44th convocation, held a lecture on the theme “Agriculture and Food Security: A Path to Economic Growth and Climate Resilience in Nigeria” on January 24, 2025, at the Abdullahi Mahadu Conference Centre, ABU main campus.

The event, hosted by Professor Kabiru Bala; Vice-Chancellor of ABU, kicked off with a welcome address and the recognition of dignitaries. The event was chaired by the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, and the keynote speaker was the former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu.

Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu’s speech stressed the importance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy, especially before the discovery of crude oil, and its relevance in today’s globalized world. He also pointed out the challenges of balancing food production with population growth and stressed the need for climate-smart, resilient agriculture to create entrepreneurial opportunities.

His speech closed by emphasizing the need to address food insecurity and its impact on the population, stressing that agriculture is essential for national stability and development. He further called on citizens to actively contribute to the sector's growth.

Chief Segun Osoba reinforced Alhaji Mu’azu’s points, emphasizing Nigeria’s agricultural potential and recalling its past status as the “food basket of the nation.”

Award presentations to Chief Osoba and Alhaji Mu’azu, by Professor Kabiru Bala and Alhaji Mu’azu for their contributions to the lecture were another major highlight of the event. Their achievements and contributions to the event's success were celebrated during the recognition.