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On June 7, 2024, the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission Ibadan held a successful virtual town hall meeting to commemorate  World Food Safety Day 2024. The event, themed "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected," brought together experts, stakeholders, and participants from around the globe to discuss the critical importance of food safety and strategies for preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges.

The town hall meeting was moderated by Adekola Ojerinde who opened the session by emphasizing the significance of food safety for global health and well-being. In the introduction, [Your Name] highlighted that food safety is not just about preventing foodborne illnesses but also ensuring food security and supporting economic development.

Food safety, a scientific discipline involving the handling, preparation, and storage of food to prevent illness, is rooted in both ancient practices and modern regulations. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. These statistics underscore the need for robust food safety practices and international cooperation to mitigate risks.

The theme "Prepare for the Unexpected" was particularly relevant, given the recent global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical disruptions. The webinar aimed to explore how the food industry can better anticipate and respond to such unexpected events through innovative solutions, best practices, and collaborative strategies.

The panel of esteemed experts included:

Dr Soji Abiola, a Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Ibadan, Mrs Morenike Onaolapo, the head of program of the Rural Development Program of the  Justice Development and Peace Maker Centre JDPMC Oshogbo, Mr Alaba Ogunbosoye, who is the head of Integrated Development Program, the agricultural arm of JDPC Ibadan and Mr Taiwo Oduola an Agro-communication expert and CEO of Trendline Agro.

Each panellist provided valuable insights into different aspects of food safety. The discussions ranged from risk management and technological innovations to public awareness and policy changes. Participants actively engaged by submitting questions, which led to a dynamic and informative Q&A session.

In the closing remarks, Adekola Ojerinde emphasized JDPC's commitment to ensuring food safety and security. "Food safety is important to everyone. It is essential for our health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Safe food is a fundamental human right and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security. When food is safe, it supports healthy populations, drives economic growth, and contributes to sustainable development," [Your Name] stated.

JDPC reiterated its mission to advocate for robust food safety practices, support effective policies, and promote education and awareness at all levels. The organization aims to continue fostering collaboration, innovation, and dedication to create a future where safe and nutritious food is accessible to all.

The virtual town hall meeting was a resounding success, leaving participants with valuable knowledge and actionable insights. JDPC looks forward to continuing its work to ensure food safety and security.