The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has unveiled the Nigeria Chapter of the World Food Forum (WFF) to amplify youth voices, promote locally-driven solutions and support the development of a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable food system in Nigeria.

The unveiling positions Nigeria within a growing global network of over 100 WFF chapters worldwide and a significant milestone for youth engagement in the nation’s agrifood systems.

Azeez Salawu, chair of the WFF Nigeria Chapter, speaking on the development on Friday in Abuja, said the platform would move youth engagement beyond conversations to meaningful collaboration.

Mr Salawu identified the launching of the Nigeria chapter as an important milestone for young people working to transform Nigeria’s food systems.

He emphasised “we want to build a platform where young people and organisations can move beyond conversations to meaningful collaboration, share opportunities, scale innovations and influence solutions that respond to the realities of our communities.

“Being part of a global network of over 100 chapters creates an opportunity to connect Nigeria’s youth-led solutions with the wider global food systems movement.

“The chapter will work to mobilise youth-led initiatives, facilitate stakeholder engagement, encourage knowledge exchange and create pathways for young innovators and agrifood entrepreneurs to access national and international opportunities. It will also promote partnerships that support youth participation in food systems policy, entrepreneurship, innovation and climate-smart agricultural development.”

Mr Salawu emphasised that the chapter envisioned a “network of networks” bringing together young people and organisations working across the agrifood value chain.

According to him, this includes sustainable agriculture, food security, agribusiness, climate resilience, food processing, post-harvest loss reduction, research, technology and policy advocacy.

Mr Salawu quoted Abebe Haile-Gabriel, assistant director-general and regional representative for Africa, FAO, as saying that Nigeria chapter seeks to amplify youth voices and promote sustainable food systems.

Mr Haile-Gabriel identified the launch as the beginning of renewed commitment to collective action, innovation and meaningful youth participation in building a food-secure and sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa.

“We look forward to strengthening engagement with government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, development partners and youth-led organisations,” Mr Haile-Gabriel said.

The unveiling of Nigeria’s chapter of WFF was carried out at the ongoing WFF Flaship event in Rome as part of the commemoration of World Food Day. 

(NAN)