The Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu has declared that protein intake in Nigeria is far below global standard.
Sharubutu made this declaration while speaking at the 61st founder’s day and pre-convocation lecture of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology Ibadan.
The event which has “Bridging Past and Future: Advancing Animal Production and Health Through Science, Technology and Policy in Nigeria” as theme was held at the college premises on Thursday.
The event was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who was represented by the Chairman of Ibadan South West local government area, Hon. Kehinde Akande, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari who was represented by the South West Zonal Director in the ministry, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, Professor Samuel Soladoye Abiola, Provost of the college, Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo and Group Managing Director of AMO Farms, Dr Ayoola Odunta.
Others are the Executive Director of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Professor Veronica Obatolu who was represented by Professor Gabriel Oluwatosin and Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Dr
Akinyemi Fadiyimu.
Sharubutu who spoke through the Executive Director of National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, maintained that Nigeria protein intake is far below the recommendation of the global standard.
He added that the global standard recommended protein intake of 64 grams and currently we have 35 grams protein intake in Nigeria.
He used the opportunity to advise agricultural institutions, agriculturalists and other stakeholders to work hard and bridge the gap.
He charged agricultural institutions and researchers to work out modalities on how to bridge the gap.
Sharubutu said “As we speak currently Nigeria protein intake is far below the recommendation of the global standards. The global standards recommended protein intake of 64 grams and currently we have 35 grams in Nigeria.
“So, there are enough jobs for graduates of this institution to do. They should not look for jobs with their certificates. They should go into production of proteins. It can be chicken or small ruminants. They have the technology.
“The graduates of this institution and other schools should go into animal production, so that they can bridge the gap. They should bridge the gap of protein supply. That is what we are saying.
“The message to the management of the institution is that all the technologies they have, they should use them so that animal production can improve. The citizens should patronise our local products. Local products we are patronisong will help to boost the economy. We should take the bull by the horn so that we can produce enough food for us the citizens to eat. We should ensure that no citizen of this country go to bed hungry”.
The guest speaker, Professor Samuel Soladoye Abiola identified cattle rusting, farmers/ herders conflicts and limited access to financial support as the major challenges facing animal production in the country.
He called on the governments at all levels to make policies and provide the necessary support to farmers across the country, noting that this will help to address the challenges facing the sector.
Some outstanding workers and other personalities were rewarded with awards of excellence at the event.
Our correspondent reports that the provost of the college, Dr Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo also used the opportunity to commission some projects in the college.
