BY CHRISTY ABOGHE
AHEAD of the World Food Day celebration, Deltans have been enjoined to focus on achieving sustainable food security.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Val Arenyeka made the call, yesterday in Asaba, the state capital.
Arenyeka reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting food sufficiency and agricultural innovation.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” Arenyeka emphasized the importance of collective effort in addressing global and local food challenges.
“The theme reminds us that food security is not the responsibility of government alone. All hands must be on deck, from farmers in our rural communities to consumers, researchers and policy makers, if we must build a resilient and inclusive food system,” he said.
He lauded various agricultural empowerment initiatives of the state government, including the Delta Agro-Industrial Park, youth-focused agribusiness programmes and support for small holder farmers through training, grants and access to improved seedlings.
Arenyeka noted that the interventions are already yielding results, boosting local food production and creating employment opportunities across the state. “Our goal is to ensure that every Deltan has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food while supporting our farmers to thrive in an enabling environment,” he added. The commissioner also called on stakeholders to embrace modern agricultural technologies, climate-smart practices and sustainable partnerships that would guarantee a better food system and a brighter future for generations to come.
According to him, “the World Food Day, which is observed globally on October 16, is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations”, adding that the 2025 edition focuses on fostering collaboration and inclusivity in transforming food systems to ensure no one is left behind.
He revealed that the event, which will take place at the Cenotaph, Asaba, will be graced by key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, farmers’ associations, students and representatives of various government agencies.
