FG to partner IITA on food safety, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, delegation team of the readiness of the Tinubu-led administration to ensure food availability in the country.

The assurance was stated today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received in audience the IITA delegation led by the Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, Simeon Ehui.

According to the VP, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will give all the necessary support and assistance to ensure food security and enhance agricultural practices that would produce enough food for the citizenry.

“There has to be a paradigm shift. Our agricultural output is low as compared to our size, population, and even unfriendly environmental factors. So, this is a time of change, and I want to give you the guarantee that my boss is with you and he will solidly support you to execute your mandate.”

He continued, “My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is a man of courage and conviction, and he has determined to reposition the nation more than ever before.”

Shettima also commended IITA for its contribution to the availability and accessibility of agricultural produce, especially in the areas of cassava, yam, and soy beans.

He stated further, “IITA has an iconic presence in Nigeria, in Ibadan, and in West Africa, and as such, the country must maximize the benefits that the institution can bring to bear on the agriculture sector in the country.”

According to him, “Your own mantra is about the increase in agricultural yield and what tools can be used to improve such yield; ensure seed quality and availability, sound agricultural practices, fertilizer, and most importantly market accessibility.”