The Government of Cross River, on Thursday, inaugurated a Central Planning Committee for the celebration of this year’s World Food Day in the state.
The committee, which has at least 20 members, was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, in his office in Calabar.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the membership comprised stakeholders in different agricultural value chain.
In a speech, Ebokpo charged the committee to work assiduously and explore innovations that would make the celebration robust and impactful.
He also urged the committee to ensure enough and thorough awareness campaign about the entire activities lined up for the celebration.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Alban Nwogu, said the event was always anticipated because of the global importance of food.
Nwogu, who is also the Director, Food Nutrition and Marketing Department in the ministry, said that the theme for the celebration was meant to highlight the critical role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of our food.
According to him, “for proper planning, six sub-committees have been constituted with serious consideration of all the stakeholders in the sector.
“Because food is consumed by everyone in the world, no one should be left behind in the 2023 celebration.
“The activities for this year’s event will include a maiden edition of agric summit, symposium, public broadcast, exhibitions and lots of interesting packages,” Nwogu said.
Nwogu thanked the commissioner for the confidence reposed in them and assured him that efforts would be intensified by the committee to achieve the best celebration.
He also called for partnership from relevant stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free event in the state.
NAN reports that October 16 is set aside to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945.
The theme of the 2023 celebration is “Water is life, Water is food, Leave no one behind”.
The day is celebrated worldwide by organisations concerned with hunger and food security, such as The World Food Programme, WHO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. (NAN)
