The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) food safety team visited Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, at his office in Agodi, Ibadan.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss a collaboration aimed at sensitizing the residents of Ibadan North on the importance of food safety, especially in light of the ongoing cholera outbreak.
Mrs. Modupe Banwo, Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa at IITA, introduced her colleagues, including Dr. Titilayo D.O. Falade, Project Coordinator and Food Safety Scientist.
Dr. Falade congratulated Hon. Olufade on his leadership and emphasized the crucial role of youth in development.
She highlighted that food safety is a critical component of food security, covering the production and transportation of food.
Dr. Falade noted that reaching grassroots levels to raise awareness about food security is their primary goal, and Ibadan North, home to the bustling Bodija Market, is a pivotal location for this initiative.
Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade expressed his gratitude to the IITA team for their visit and their food safety sensitization initiative.
He assured them of his support and commitment to spreading awareness throughout Ibadan North.
The Chairman also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the IITA team to facilitate the training of officers and residents on food safety practices.
The Director of Environmental Health Services at Ibadan North Local Government emphasized the importance of a clean environment in food safety discussions.
The Director of Agriculture appreciated the IITA team’s efforts and pledged the local government’s full support.
Mrs. Modupe Banwo presented a gift to the Chairman in appreciation of his cooperation.
Attendees included Mrs. Modupe Banwo, Dr. Titilayo D.O. Falade, Mr. Kehinde (Team Member and Lab Technician at IITA), Chief of Staff of Ibadan North Local Government Hamdy Mustapha, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunbode (Director of Agriculture and NR), Mr. Rasaq Olanrewaju (Acting Director of Agriculture and NR, Irepodun LCDA), Mr. Femu Oladeji (Acting Director of Agriculture and NR, Aare Latosa LCDA), Mr. Olayinka Akande (Director of Environmental Health Services), Mr. Adewale Makinde (Deputy Director of Agriculture and NR), Mrs. Oluwafunso Amao (Representative of Principal Community Development Inspector), Mrs. Jacob Adebayo Adelabu (Assistant Principal Agriculture Superintendent), Mrs. Funke Foluso Lala (Head of Information), and Aderibigbe Yisahu (Head of Media to Ibadan North Local Government Chairman).
The collaboration between IITA and Ibadan North Local Government marks a significant step towards ensuring food safety and security in the region.
