? Foundation Drives Food Security Efforts

In a major effort to address Nigeria?s food security challenges and inspire greater youth participation in agriculture, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and leading entrepreneur Mr. Tony Elumelu (CFR) are set to headline the Agroween ?25 Festival and the Agroween Recognition Awards (ARA Awards).

The event, organised through a partnership between the Intergenerational Rescue Foundation (IRF) and the Department of Social Work, University of Lagos (UNILAG), will take place on November 25, 2025, at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG.

With the theme ?Sowing Seeds of Innovation,? the summit aims to convene leaders from academia, agribusiness, and food technology to explore strategies for building sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria.

In a statement, IRF Chairperson and convener of Agroween, Mrs. Bimbola Aghahowa, explained that the initiative seeks to combat food insecurity through sustainable agricultural practices, research, and community engagement.

?This year?s Agroween theme emphasises food security, sustainable agriculture, and community-driven solutions,? Aghahowa said. ?By embracing innovation, we can strengthen national development and raise standards across the agricultural value chain.?

The Head of the Department of Social Work at UNILAG, Prof. Samuel Adejoh, noted that one of the central goals of the programme is to address what he described as widespread gaps in agricultural awareness among young people, who will eventually shape future policy and consumer behaviour.

?Agricultural literacy is fundamental to the choices individuals make about food, governance, and national development,? he said. ?Building that literacy now is crucial for the country?s economic and social future.?

Organisers describe Agroween ?25 as a national platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and intergenerational collaboration, aimed at fostering partnerships that support long-term community well-being and economic growth.

The ARA Awards will honour distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to agricultural innovation and social impact. Expected honourees include Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his advocacy of agricultural development, Mr. Tony Elumelu for empowering young agripreneurs, and Prof. Desmond Majekodunmi, a leading environmental advocate, among others. (VANGUARD)