Daniel Adaji
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has honoured outstanding members of staff for their resilience, innovation and integrity in a move aimed at strengthening dedication to sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
The recognition took place during the Ministerial Award and Recognition Ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate excellence and acknowledge the crucial role of the agricultural sector in Nigeria’s economy.
Kyari explained that the theme of the ceremony, “Nurturing Dedication: Growing Sustainable Agriculture,” reflects the need for commitment from all stakeholders in the sector.
According to him, “sustainable agriculture does not grow by chance. It grows through dedication – dedication of our farmers who rise before dawn, our researchers who seek better solutions, our policymakers who provide enabling frameworks, and our partners who invest in the future of food security.”
He noted that global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and economic uncertainty have made sustainable agricultural practices more critical than ever.
“As we face global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more urgent than now,” the minister said.
Kyari added that sustainable agriculture remains vital to the country’s long-term development.
“Sustainable agriculture ensures that we meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he stated.
The minister stressed that the ceremony was meant to celebrate excellence and motivate workers across the ministry.
“Today’s ceremony is not only about presenting awards; it is about recognizing resilience, innovation, integrity, and outstanding performance. The individuals we are honouring today have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing agricultural development and sustainability,” he said.
He commended the award recipients for their dedication, saying their efforts inspire confidence in the country’s agricultural future.
“Your dedication inspires hope. You have shown that with passion, hardwork, and vision, we can transform challenges into opportunities and cultivate prosperity for our nation,” Kyari said.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, said the current administration is focused on transforming the agricultural sector through sustainable practices, technology and staff development.
Ogunbiyi explained that the ministry’s mandate includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving soil health, reforming the cooperative subsector and boosting food security across the country.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Ayodele Olawumi, pledged continued commitment to the government’s reform agenda in the sector.
Olawumi said the honoured staff would continue to work towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda in agriculture and contribute to revolutionising the agricultural ecosystem.
