As part of efforts to address pressing issues surrounding nutrition and food security in the nation, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has intensified advocacy during a legislative retreat.
The retreat, which brought together lawmakers, experts, and stakeholders in the nutrition and agricultural sectors, provided a platform for robust discussions on strategies to tackle the challenges facing the state in these critical areas.
Ogundoyin, in his address at the 3rd retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security with the theme “Galvanizing Legislative Agenda for Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria called for a deliberate action to address the the challenges facing the nation in the Agricultural sector.
At the event which held in Aba in Abia state on Tuesday, Ogundoyin who doubles as the chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of state Legislators emphasized the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat malnutrition and ensure food security in Oyo State.
He equally explained the critical role of legislation in enacting policies and frameworks that promote access to nutritious food and sustainable agricultural practices.
“Nutrition and food security are fundamental rights that every citizen deserves,” stated Speaker Ogundoyin. “As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to enact laws that prioritize these essential needs and ensure their implementation for the well-being of our people.
“During the retreat, participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and presentations focusing on various aspects of nutrition and food security, including agricultural productivity, food distribution systems, and community-based interventions.” Ogundoyin said.
Emphasising his position at rhe retreat in a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday evening, Ogundoyin said: “I led other Speakers of State Legislatures to Imo State to attend the opening ceremony of a 3day retreat organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security with the theme ” Galvanising Legislative Agenda for Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria”
“In my address, I admitted that there was the compelling need to take a holistic legislative approach towards addressing issues relating to nutrition and food security in our dear nation.
“I acknowledged that in many parts of Nigeria, access to affordable, nutritious food was still a grave concern and this had led to malnutrition and other health related issues especially among vulnerable population.
“This, I observed could impair children’s cognitive development and learning abilities which on the long run may lead us to raising a society of malnourished individuals thereby undermining our progress as a country.
“I assured that as Speakers and major stakeholders, we would champion policies and initiatives that promote Nutrition and Food Security in our various States.
“I applauded the initiative of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass in creating a specific Committee for Nutrition and Food Security with a promise that Oyo State House of Assembly would be among the first to replicate the Committee in our State Assembly.”