Ibadan North LG, IITA Join Forces to Sensitize Residents on Food Safety

Ibadan, June 19, 2024 – The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, welcomed a delegation from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to discuss a partnership aimed at raising food safety awareness among residents of Ibadan North, particularly in light of the ongoing cholera outbreak.

The IITA food safety team, led by Mrs. Modupe Banwo, Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa, included Dr. Titilayo D.O. Falade, Project Coordinator and Food Safety Scientist, and Mr. Kehinde, a Lab Technician at IITA. The visit focused on collaboration to sensitize the community about the importance of food safety, with a special emphasis on the role of youth in this initiative.

In a statement signed by Aderibigbe Yisahu Ajibola, Head of Media Unit to the Ibadan North Local Government Chairman, Dr. Falade congratulated Hon. Olufade on his leadership and highlighted the significance of food safety as an integral part of food security, from production to transportation. She emphasized that raising awareness at the grassroots level is crucial, especially in areas like Ibadan North, which hosts the bustling Bodija Market.

Hon. Olufade expressed his gratitude to the IITA team for their visit and the proposed food safety sensitization program. He assured them of his full support and commitment to spreading awareness throughout Ibadan North. The Chairman agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IITA to facilitate the training of officers and residents on food safety practices.

The Director of Environmental Health Services at Ibadan North Local Government underscored the importance of a clean environment in the context of food safety, while the Director of Agriculture appreciated IITA’s efforts and pledged the local government’s full support.

Mrs. Banwo presented a gift to Hon. Olufade in appreciation of his cooperation.

Key attendees included:

– Mrs. Modupe Banwo, Project Manager of Food Safety for Africa at IITA

– Dr. Titilayo D.O. Falade, Project Coordinator and Food Safety Scientist at IITA

– Mr. Kehinde, Lab Technician at IITA

– Hamdy Mustapha, Chief of Staff of Ibadan North Local Government

– 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

– Aderibigbe Yisahu, Head of Media to Ibadan North Local Government Chairman

This collaboration between IITA and Ibadan North Local Government marks a significant step towards ensuring food safety and security in the region, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health and community well-being.