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  • Lagos, Ebonyi to benefit from UK funded health research project

    Lagos, Ebonyi to benefit from UK funded health research project

    Ebonyi and Lagos states have been selected for the improving equity in respiratory disease outcomes using data-driven tools (EQUI-RESP Africa Project).

    The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke stated this at the flag-of of the project in Ebonyi.

    The event took place at the the Institute of Child Health (ICH), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).

    Prof Uneke identified respiratory diseases as the cause of acute and chronic morbidity and mortality in Africa.

    Uneke, who is the Ebonyi state team lead of the project, said respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer were prevalent in the region.

    He explained that the project is multi-country and implemented in five African countries incuding Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and South Africa. 

    According to him, Ebonyi and Lagos states were the only states selected for the project in Nigeria.

    “The funding support is from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) United Kingdom and coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, UK”, he said 

    Uneke observed that there was limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the respiratory diseases and large inequities in the outcomes of the diseases. 

    “It is well established that respiratory diseases,such as chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer, are all prevalent in Nigeria as in the remaining four target African countries. 

    “Although these respiratory diseases cause a very large burden of both acute and chronic morbidity, as well as mortality in Nigeria, there is limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

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    “Furthermore, there are large inequities in the outcomes of these diseases. They are worst among the poor, who do not have access to affordable and quality healthcare”, he said.

    He noted that the project will provide some critical equipment for the use in the detection/diagnosis of some respiratory diseases and also provide free treatment to up to 1000 patients across the six target health facilities in Ebonyi State within the four-years duration of the project. 

    “In this effort, we will harness a large body of work that has already been invested in the development, validation, implementation and training for the use of the tools such as Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) and the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. 

    “We will also pilot and validate the “Pathways to Survival” (PATHS) tool, a novel tool based on decision science, that identifies key bottlenecks in intervention delivery. 

    “The goal is to achieve demonstrable and equitable reductions in morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases through improvements in interventions and policies derived from data-driven tools”, the Vice Chancellor said. Ends

  • RECALP 2025: Lagos set for 11th annual youth empowerment summit June 12

    RECALP 2025: Lagos set for 11th annual youth empowerment summit June 12

    Lagos is gearing up for a major youth convergence as the 11th edition of the RECALP Summit is set to take place on June 12.

    Venue is the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 19 auditorium in Ogudu.

    Organised by the Young Adults and Youth Affairs arm of RCCG Lagos Province 19, the RECALP Summit has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading youth empowerment platforms.

    Themed around inspiring the next generation, the summit brings together aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals to explore opportunities in career, leadership, business, politics, relationships, and the arts.

    Convener of the summit, Femi Aminu, described this year’s edition as “a greater convergence of youths who will be nurtured and guided to greater achievements.”

    A diverse lineup of distinguished speakers will headline the event. 

    Among them are renowned leadership consultant and CEO of Fifth Gear Plus Consulting, Dr. Niyi Adesanya; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Mr. Jumade Adejola, CEO of Surveillant Fire Ltd; Mrs. Gold Adeoye, a relationship expert and CEO of Gold Adeoye Counselling Firm; Mr. Shina Atilola, Executive Director for Digital and eBusiness Banking at Premium Trust Bank; and Mrs. Dupe Olorunjo, a celebrated storyteller and filmmaker.

    The Chief Host, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, expressed optimism about the summit’s impact.

     “Over the years, the RECALP Summit has recorded tremendous growth. We expect nothing less this year,” he said.

    Since its inception in 2014, RECALP has served as a springboard for youth empowerment. 

    In a bid to expand its reach, this year’s edition will be streamed live on YouTube and other digital platforms, allowing virtual participation for those unable to attend in person.

    The five-hour summit is free to attend, but participants are required to register at www.recalp.org/registration.

    RECALP 2025 promises opportunities for networking, learning, and exhibition, particularly for emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs, as it continues its mission to inspire and empower young Nigerians.

  • Lagos Police deploy troops at strategic locations over protests

    Lagos Police deploy troops at strategic locations over protests

    Ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest organised by the #TakeItBack movement, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed anti-riot operatives and other plain clothed detectives at strategic locations to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    The police also assured residents that it would respect the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly of citizens, urging those seeking to protest to ensure it was within the ambit of the law.

    The deployments which were done as early as 4am, saw the movement of troops and logistics to Agege; Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park; Abiola Gardens; Maryland; Ikeja Under bridge; Ojodu Berger; Oshodi; Allen Avenue; Obalende; Ikorodu; Ajah; State House Alausa; Marina; National Stadium; Yaba; Lekki, among others.

    According to the CP, deployments were made to cover strategic points of convergence across the state to prevent any eventuality.

    He explained that the police were not against peaceful assembly but would not fold their hands if anyone or group attempted to cause disorder anywhere in Lagos.

    CP Jimoh also said that all critical infrastructures including power plants, public offices and private business entities of interest have been adequately captured in the deployment and well covered.

    He told The Nation that part of the security deployment was stop-and-search points at strategic locations to identify vehicles that might want to move around with incriminating items.

    “We are also carrying out special raids of criminal hideouts and black spots, as well as a show of force involving joint police patrol

    “All these actions are not to scare law abiding citizens but to let criminals know that security in Lagos is awake and ready to protect the state.

    “As at 8am, the state was calm and no protesters have been seen at any of the locations. Citizens are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance.

    “We shall continue to carry out vehicular patrols of the nooks and crannies of the state while waterway patrols by the Marine Police are also ongoing.

    “I can tell you that Lagos State so far is calm and peaceful. Our meeting yesterday with the leadership of some of the CSOs was fruitful,” he said. 

    The fifteen (15) CSOs’ leadership that attended the meeting were Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Society Advocacy Groups), Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Right Monitor), Festus Ojotoro (Human Right Monitor), Kehinde Adeoye (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti), Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline), Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group), Lasisi Abiodun, Ibrahim Oluwatobi,  Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Agbodemu I. Musbau, CSO Lagos Mainland LGA and the representative of Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.

    During the interactive meeting, CP Jimoh explained to the groups the need to shelve the protest and join Nigerians in celebrating June 12 Democracy Day.

    While some of the groups in the interest of peace and security agreed to withdraw from the planned subversive protest and rejoice with the rest of the masses, others insisted they would carry on with their agitations but promised it would be peaceful.

    The meeting, according to the command, was part of its pro-active measures and sensitization of the promoters of the protest on the evil associated with attempts to subvert the government.

    “It was agreed that all the groups must ensure concern for public safety and security in their activities during the Democracy Day celebration. Half of the CSOs present at the meeting assured the command that they were going to celebrate with all Nigerians on the occasion of June 12 Democracy Day, while others affirmed that they will carry out the protest in an orderly manner without disturbance to public peace and safety. 

    “They also agreed to converge at Ikeja under-bridge simultaneously and will jointly move to Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota to carry out the protest and stated that no protest will take place anywhere in the state except the designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park. “Also, they assured the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command that the outcome of the meeting and resolutions reached will be communicated to other CSOs leadership who are not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” said spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement late on Wednesday.

    The meeting, it was gathered, ended at about 5:15pm with assurances from the CP that the command would continue to monitor the activity of the CSOs leadership.

  • NIHOTOUR commences compliance exercise in Lagos

    NIHOTOUR commences compliance exercise in Lagos

    The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially commenced a rigorous compliance exercise across Lagos State, focusing on hotels, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

    This initiative is in furtherance of NIHOTOUR’s statutory mandate to standardise and regulate professional practices within the industry nationwide.

    The compliance drive seeks to ensure that all personnel, practitioners, and operators within the sector are duly certified and registered with NIHOTOUR, by the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Management of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

    Speaking on the development, the Director of Legal Services at NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Mariam Inuwa, Esq, highlighted the Institute’s legal responsibilities as captured in Section 5(1)(h) of the Act, which authorises NIHOTOUR to regulate the activities of hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals in Nigeria. She further referenced Section 4(o) of the Act, which mandates the certification of all practitioners to promote uniform standards, professionalism, and quality service delivery within the industry.

    As part of the exercise, several leading establishments were visited, including Marriott Hotel Ikeja GRA, The Sojourner, Sheraton Lagos, Radisson Blu Victoria Island, Black Diamond Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton.

    These visits followed the issuance of multiple letters of demand and contravention notices to the affected organisations.

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    NIHOTOUR is pleased to announce that Marriott Hotel, The Sojourner, Radisson Blu, Black Diamond, and FourPoints by Sheraton have all commenced the process of registration and certification, in line with regulatory expectations.

    This compliance drive reinforces NIHOTOUR’s unwavering commitment to repositioning the Nigerian hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors as key pillars of national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Institute will continue to engage stakeholders constructively while ensuring strict adherence to the laws governing the sector.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu heads back to Abuja after Eid holidays in Lagos

    JUST IN: Tinubu heads back to Abuja after Eid holidays in Lagos

    President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja today after spending the Eid holidays in Lagos.

    He arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, May 27, for the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    In a video posted by Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Mr. Dada Olusegun, seen by The Nation, the President was captured with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as they made their way to the airport.

    Read Also: Tinubu making Nigeria great again, says Lagos lawmaker

    The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu heads back to Abuja from Lagos after the Eid Holidays in lagos. He was accompanied to the airport by H.E @jidesanwoolu, the Executive Governor of Lagos.”

    Details shortly…

  • Old students turn sod for ICT centre at 166

    Old students turn sod for ICT centre at 166

    CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, has celebrated its 166th year with the foundation of a N1.5 billion ICT Centre.

    The centre was named named after Prof. Samuel Adebonojo, 1954, retired U.S. colonel, and professor of surgery.

    The event:  “Ever Upward to the Light,” took place in the school and was organised by the Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS).

    The sod-turning  was led by Rt. Rev. Johnson Akinpelu, Bishop of Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion).

    The ICT Centre, funded by OGS chapters in Nigeria, U.S. and U.K. and named to honour Adebonojo’s vision and financial support, aims to equip pupils with skills in robotics, satellite engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation.

    OGS President, Cyril Ogbekene, reflected on his leadership journey and the society’s achievements, including  constitutional amendment introducing online voting and financial transparency, growing reserves from under N1 million to over N20 million, and projects like upgraded site plan and OGS Secretariat.

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    He also recognised alumni contributions, such as Mr. Modupe Alakija’s 350-bed boys’ hostel and Chief Folarin Coker’s Olympic-standard swimming pool.

    Bishop Akinpelu, during a thanksgiving service at the school’s Babington Macaulay Chapel, urged steadfast faith amid modern heresies, encouraging spiritual growth and resilience.

    He lauded CMS Grammar School’s legacy as the second oldest secondary school in West Africa.

    Prof. Adebonojo, serving as grand patron of the American and London OGS chapters, emphasized the importance of discipline, education, and giving back.

    He revealed the ICT centre idea was driven by the OGS overseas chapters, and pledged the school as a beneficiary in his will.

    OGS UK/Europe President, Mr. Mobolaji Lewis described the centre as a pioneering step to prepare students for a global digital future.

    Chairman of the Computerisation Committee of the ICT Centre, Mr. Tolu Agbesonwa, highlighted Prof. Adebonojo’s unique vision, a medical doctor with no formal tech background who conceived a solar-powered ICT centre.

    Immediate past president of OGS America, Mr. Akin Poopola underscored the extensive campus upgrades, including solar power, campus-wide Wi-Fi, ICT-ready classrooms, and improved infrastructure.

    He stressed the centre’s inclusive approach, training all students for tech entrepreneurship, not only those pursuing university education.

    The ICT Centre, expected to be completed within one to two years, symbolizes the alumni’s commitment to blending CMS Grammar School’s rich heritage with modern educational innovation.

    Founded in 1859, the school continues to nurture leaders, with alumni and clergy urging current students to uphold and advance its distinguished legacy.

  • Lagos, Port Harcourt get smart air quality monitoring

    Lagos, Port Harcourt get smart air quality monitoring

    A pioneering 18-month environmental initiative has been launched to tackle rising air pollution in Lagos and Port Harcourt, deploying a network of low-cost sensors (LCS) and artificialintelligence (AI) to monitor PM2.5 dangerous fine particulate matter commonly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

    The project, titled “PM2.5 Monitoring and Policy Recommendations for Lagos and Port Harcourt Transport Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors and Artificial Intelligence,” officially commenced on February 1, 2025, with funding from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).

    With Nigeria’s limited air quality monitoring infrastructure, the initiative represents a critical step toward data-driven transport and environmental health policies, particularly in urban centres where pollution levels remain largely undocumented.

    The Project Lead and Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Rose Alani, said “This project is designed to fill a long-standing data gap. For too long, decisions have been made without reliable data on pollution from urban transport. We aim to change that, starting with Lagos and Port Harcourt”

    A statement listed the major objectives of the project to include: 15 Low-Cost Sensors: 10 deployed in Lagos, five in Port Harcourt; 12-month continuous monitoring of PM2.5 along key transport routes; AI analysis to forecast pollution trends and inform policy; and Open-access data to increase transparency and public engagement.

    Lagos, one of Africa’s most populous cities, grapples with daily gridlock and vehicular emissions, while Port Harcourt faces additional threats from industrial activities and black carbon pollution. Both cities are high-priority zones for robust air quality interventions.

    Director of Weather Forecasting Services at NiMet and Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Vincent Weli, said: “Port Harcourt’s air quality is further compromised by oil-related industrial emission. This initiative will help establish a scientific baseline for action.”

    Weli said “The project leverages artificial intelligence to not only track pollution in real time but also forecast future trends based on variables like traffic density, weather patterns, and urban development”.

    “AI offers forecasting precision that has been missing in Nigeria’s air quality management,” explained Dr. Davies Rene Segera, an AI and Environmental Data Specialist from the University of Nairobi. “It moves us from reactive policies to proactive, data-driven interventions.”

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    The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said “At LASEPA, we are committed to ensuring environmental data leads to real outcomes,” said “With localized, reliable data, we can advocate more effectively for clean transport policies that safeguard public health.”

    Mr. Abdul Muizz Ogbara, Research and Evaluation Specialist at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), added “This aligns perfectly with our vision for a more sustainable and efficient transport network. Evidence-based policymaking is critical to that mission.”

    Beyond Lagos and Port Harcourt, the initiative will map existing air quality efforts across Nigeria and produce a national report to guide future investments and coordination, building long-term capacity for environmental data management.

    “This is a model of how data science and environmental science can work together to solve urgent public health challenges,” said Richard Sserunjogi of the AirQo team, which is providing technical support and data visualization platforms.

    Funded by EPIC at the University of Chicago—a global leader in energy and environmental policy—the project offers a scalable solution to Nigeria’s urban pollution crisis, setting a precedent for smart, science-driven interventions across the continent.

  • Speeding vehicle kills pedestrian in Lagos

    Speeding vehicle kills pedestrian in Lagos

    Tragedy struck on Sunday at Mosalasi roundabout along New Ipaja Road in the Ipaja area of Lagos when a black Toyota Tundra killed a female pedestrian.

    The vehicle, bearing registration number FST 222 HV, reportedly veered off the road at high speed, mounted the pedestrian walkway, and struck the woman, killing her instantly. 

    The impact further propelled the truck into a nearby livestock business premises, causing extensive damage to the perimeter fence and an adjoining advertising billboard.

    Eyewitnesses said the driver attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who handed him over to police officers from the Gowon Estate Command for further investigation.

    The remains of the deceased were recovered and handed over to the Police Force, while the driver is in custody undergoing interrogation.

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    Speaking on the incident, General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victim’s family.

    “This is a deeply sorrowful occurrence that underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving. We mourn with the family of the deceased and pray earnestly that the Almighty grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki urged motorists to conduct regular vehicle safety checks, particularly on their braking systems, and emphasized that traffic rules must be obeyed not just as a legal obligation, but as a moral duty to protect lives. 

  • Five remanded in Kirikiri for dumping waste in Lagos canal

    Five remanded in Kirikiri for dumping waste in Lagos canal

    The Lagos Government has arrested and arraigned five individuals for indiscriminate refuse dumping in a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge area of the state.

    The suspects—Quassim Jamiu, 44, and Ayo Jamiu, 18, both from Kwara State; Alexander Innocent, 40, from Akwa Ibom; Oparinde Taiwo, 55, from Ogun State; and Moses Adelowokan, 76, from Osun State—were remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Facility following their arraignment before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.

    According to the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the men were caught in the act by operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Task Force and security agents.

    They had reportedly arrived at the canal in a lorry and were offloading waste when the enforcement team swooped in and apprehended them.

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    Wahab noted that the arrest comes less than 48 hours after the state government issued a stern warning to residents against flouting environmental laws.

    The commissioner reiterated that anyone found guilty of illegal waste disposal will face full legal consequences.

    “The state will ensure diligent prosecution of all arrested individuals to serve as a deterrent to others harbouring similar intentions,” he said.

    He further warned that offenders risk up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of N250,000, or both, if found guilty under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law.

    Emphasising the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the commissioner reminded residents that Lagos has provided Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators across all wards to ensure proper waste collection and disposal.

    He urged the public to make use of these services to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

  • Lagos, others partner on post-harvest losses

    Lagos, others partner on post-harvest losses

    Lagos State, in collaboration with various partners, is intensifying efforts to combat Nigeria’s alarming annual post-harvest losses, a crisis currently estimated at a colossal N3.5 trillion. This significant drain on the nation’s agricultural sector not only exacerbates food insecurity but also severely impacts the livelihoods of countless farmers and the broader economy.

    This was the spearpoint of the Ecotutu Chain in Agriculture Roundtable held yesterday in Lagos. The roundtable was themed “Accelerating Cold Chain Adoption for a Sustainable Agricultural Future in Nigeria.”

    Experts highlight that up to 40 per cent of harvested crops in Nigeria perish before reaching consumers, a figure that far exceeds the African average. The immense wastage is primarily attributed to inadequate storage facilities, inefficient transportation networks, limited access to modern preservation technologies, and a critical lack of cold chain infrastructure.

    READ ALSO: At Ikogosi Warm Springs, nature is king

    Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, reiterated the determination of the government to support young innovators and startups to develop storage solutions and post-harvest technologies for farmers.

    She emphasised the importance of collective action from all levels of government, private enterprises, and consumers to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

    According to her, the government is developing a unified database for farmers and the broader food industry. The purpose, she indicated, was to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive food system within the state.

    The database will be a central repository of vital information, not only on farmers and their produce but also on food purchase and consumption patterns across Lagos.

    She indicated that data will be gathered from the Central Food Systems and Logistics hub in the Epe on completion and existing and proposed food hubs. The real-time information, she maintained, will provide invaluable insights into the flow of food from farm to table.

    She highlighted the critical need for reliable data in addressing food security challenges and optimising agricultural productivity.

    She commended Ecotutu for its solar powered cold chain facility that has helped to reduce food losses, adding that the government appreciated other such efforts towards creating a more robust and responsive food system for Lagos, promising enhanced food security for the rapidly growing population.

    The Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands in Lagos. Peter Keulers  said as part of efforts to provide market-led solutions to postharvest losses, the Netherlands government in partnership with Lagos State, developed and launched the Polar Store, an innovative solar-powered cold storage infrastructure in the state. He said the Polar Store serves as both a demonstration site and a training hub, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in cold storage applications.

    He said that post-harvest losses have remained a major challenge confronting the Nigerian agricultural sector for so long.

    In a spotlight session, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Jide Sotinrin, said there were ongoing reforms to improve access to finance for farmers.

    He said the bank was   putting  in place a system which will enable faster processing of agricultural loans.

    According to him, digitalisation of agricultural lending will ensure instant doorstep delivery of credit to farmers while improving the advancing the bank ‘s mission of fostering rural prosperity.

    He said the bank will raise the N250,000 maximum limit micro loans  for  smallholder farmers, in the light of the realities in the industry.

    According to him, the bank will continue to prioritize responsive agricultural finance , aimed at fostering a robust rural economy, alleviating poverty, and promoting self-reliance through agribusiness.

    The Managing Director, Ecotutu, Babajide Oluwase said the Cold Chain in Agriculture Roundtable 2025 roundtable aims to address post-harvest losses and fortify Nigeria’s food supply chain.

    The roundtable, he indicated ,brought  together important players from the agricultural value chain, to discuss scalable solutions to Nigeria’s growing food preservation problems.