The president of Ondo State Farmers Congress, Abayomi Monilari, has called on the government to provide subsidies and implement policies to help farmers achieve food security amid hardship.

Mr Monilari made the appeal on the sidelines of the Eminent Peace Ambassador award on Tuesday at the Dome International Conference Centre, Akure.

The ceremony was held in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Cooperatives, celebrated annually, which promotes the values of cooperation, mutual support, and collective action.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of cooperative movements in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr Monilari was honoured as an Eminent Peace Ambassador and Global Diplomat by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

He pointed out that in most developed countries where food is sufficient, the government provides subsidies for farmers to enable them to sell food products at an affordable price.

He said, “One of the key strategies for achieving food security is to empower smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of our agricultural sector. This can be done by providing them with training, resources, and market access. Additionally, investing in agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks will help to improve the efficiency and productivity of our food system.

“Ultimately, my mission is to ensure that every citizen of Ondo State and Nigeria has access to nutritious food, knows the health status of the food they consume and that our food system is resilient, sustainable, and equitable. By working together, we can achieve food security, improve the health and well-being of our citizens, and contribute to the economic development of our state and nation.’’

Mr Monilari was honoured alongside other distinguished peace ambassadors for his outstanding contributions to peacebuilding and crime reduction efforts across Ondo State.

He described the award as a strong motivation to continue his advocacy and community-driven interventions aimed at fostering harmony and security.

Speaking, the President of the Association, His Eminence Ambassador Per Stafsen, the International Director of IAWPA, said the gathering was to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives.

Mr Stafsen, represented by the International Director of IAWPA, Chidi Ehiriado, stressed the importance of rejecting divisions based on religion or ethnicity.

He urged citizens to think globally but act locally in their contributions to peace and development.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

One of the major highlights of the event was the conferment of Eminent Peace Ambassador and Global Diplomat honours on distinguished personalities for their commitment to peace and community development.

Among the recipients were the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

Earlier, President of YES, Francis Adegbenro, stressed the need for peace in nation building.

“There can be no cooperation without peace, and where youths are helpless, the entire society becomes vulnerable,” he said.

The event concluded with a renewed call for stakeholders to harness the power of cooperative systems in driving sustainable peace and development.

(NAN)