The Oyo State government, on Friday, inaugurated a planning committee to coordinate activities lined up for the celebration of the 2025 World Food Day.

The commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the move was to ensure that the 2025 World Food Day celebration goes beyond the traditional Oct.16 observance.

Mr Olaleye, who was represented at the occasion by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Abosede Owoeye, said the celebration is meant to position agriculture as a catalyst for lasting transformation in the state.

According to him, World Food Day is celebrated globally every Oct.16 under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

He stated that the theme for the 2025 celebration – “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, was a clarion call for collective action to address pressing challenges facing food systems.

“And also to work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions that guarantee food security, improved nutrition, and better livelihoods for citizens,” he said.

The commissioner added that the ministry, through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), had implemented various strategic initiatives to ensure food availability and supply in line with the 2025 World Food Day theme.

He urged committee members to approach their responsibilities with innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to delivering an impactful celebration.

Unveiling the five-day programme of activities for the 2025 World Food Day celebration, Mr Olaleye said the programme would run between Oct. 10 and Oct. 16.

“It will start with Jumat service on Oct. 10, at the State Secretariat Mosque, Ibadan, followed by a special Sunday service on Oct. 12 at St. Peter’s Church Aremo, Ibadan.

“On Oct.14, there will be farmers’ fitness walk, while agriculture stakeholders’ meeting and symposium will take place on Oct. 15 at the House of Chiefs, State Secretariat, Ibadan.

“Grand finale and farmers’ exhibition, where farmers will showcase their products, will hold on Oct.16,” he stated.

Mr Olaleye called on all stakeholders and residents to participate fully.

(NAN)