To ensure that everyone begins to consume foods rich in biofortification, vitamin A nutrients, HarvestPlus in partnership with the federal ministry of agriculture, the federal ministry of health, development partners and Imo State will be hosting the 8th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair (NFF) in Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking during a press conference held yesterday at the conference hall of the ministry of health, the country manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, Yusuf Dollah, noted that this year’s 8th edition of the NFF is tagged ‘Improving Resilience through Nutritious Food System, adding that it will take place on the 18th and 19th November at Ahiajoku Convention Center, Owerri at eight in the morning. He noted that there will be agribusiness master class and mentorship.
He hinted that the two-day event will attract stakeholders in the Nutritious Food space including policy makers, researchers, farmers, food processors among others to showcase in a free of charge exhibition, innovation, share updates and discuss topical issues emerging in the Nutritious Food sector. He revealed that about 50 commercial exhibitors, government officials, key private sector players, 5000 participants will be in attendance, adding that other attractions will include exhibition and sales of Nutritious Food products, panel and business discussion, business deal rooms, quiz competitions (Nutri-quiz), cooking competition (Nutri-kitchen), capacity building and enterprise development training.
In his contribution, the commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Barthy Okorochuwu noted that the Nutritious Food Fair will provide an operational platform for collective engagement, learning and networking of actors in the Nutritious Food sector in Nigeria. He assured that the state government is fully participating in the event to ensure that Imolites take the consumption of Nutritious Food seriously. He said apart from the economic benefits of the event, it provides job creation for youths, building new business linkages, opportunities and synergies among the food sector.
In his comment, Francis Duru posited that, talking about the beauty and benefits of the quiz competition among the students is to enable them key into the need to take Nutritious Food for healthy living. He urged Imo State citizens to afford themselves the opportunity of attending the event. He hinted that there will be inauguration of Imo Smart Mothers initiative among others.
The program manager, commercialization of biofortified crops project, Goodluck Ogu noted that during the Seed Fair that took place in Imo, over 800 women were trained. He said there will be capacity building for newly recruited extension staff of the ministry of agriculture, training of students, micro entrepreneurs among others in the event.
The Executive Director of Foundation for Livelihood Advancement and the CBC implementation partner, Kenneth Amogu called on all Imolites to come out in their numbers to take advantage of this all-important event that’s holding in Imo the first time as it promises to drag economic boom to the state.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
