As part of effort to boost home grown food and support OAU food festival, the Ogun State Government has donated one thousand bags of Ofada rice for the consumption of students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun who announced the donation Tuesday at the flag off ceremony of 2018 edition of Ife Festival of Food and Identity organized by the Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo university, Ile-Ife restated his administration’s commitment to boost food security.
Amosun who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga noted that the various agricultural initiative programmes embarked by his administration are aimed at making the state a secured place and getting it developed through profitable investment value chains.
Speaking on the theme of the festival “Food and Identity” Amosu said the Ogun state government has developed agricultural initiatives aimed at addressing the various challenges country is facing in terms of food security.
According to Amosun: “Agro business, with its attendant value chain has the potential to change the narration of our Nation’s excessive and dangerous dependent on oil.”
” The government of Western Region under Papa Awolowo had demonstrated the huge benefits that we stand to gain in agriculture. What is more, this beautiful University is one such proof”.
He however enjoined all Nigerians to pay greater attention to Ofada rice, saying it is healthier and far more nutritious.
Performing the symbolic flag off of the festival, the Noble Laurel, Prof Wole Soyinka described the festival as unique and critical to healthy living to the generality of Yoruba race.
Soyinka noted that varieties of Yoruba local diets are not only nutritious but also available at affordable rates adding that Yoruba culture is unique.
Welcoming guests to the 3-day, long programme, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede said the food festival aims at showcasing the rich diversity in Nigerian Cuisine and delicacies thereby creating awareness on Nigerian’s rich food culture
Ogunbodede further explained that the festival was organised to celebrate African culture within a medley of traditional and contemporary performances, dances, music, theatre, adult and children’s cooking corner competition food tasting, symposium, art and photo exhibition.
He said that the festival is inspired by the deep religious convergence, homogeneity and conference which the Ife civilization represents
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