The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, has stated that protein intake in Nigeria is significantly below the global standard.
Sharubutu made this remark during the 61st Founder’s Day and pre-convocation lecture of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, held on Thursday.
The event, themed “Bridging Past and Future: Advancing Animal Production and Health Through Science, Technology, and Policy in Nigeria”, attracted key figures from the agriculture and academic sectors.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was represented by the Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, while other notable attendees included Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the South West Zonal Director, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, and the Provost of the College, Professor Samuel Soladoye Abiola.
Sharubutu, who spoke through the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, stressed the need for improving the nation’s protein consumption, which is currently below the global recommendation.
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.
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“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.
The provost of the college, Dr Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo used the opportunity to present awards of recognition to some outstanding workers in the college and other personalities.
Owosibo also used the opportunity to commission some projects executed by his administration in the college.
