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The Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) Ibadan successfully held a compelling webinar titled “Hunger in the Midst of Plenty: The Paradox of Food Insecurity in Nigeria” on the 19th of September 2024. The event brought together a diverse audience, including stakeholders, policymakers, academics, and members of the public, all eager to engage in meaningful discussions around the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.

Moderated by Adekola Ojerinde the webinar featured an esteemed panel of experts who provided valuable insights into the causes and consequences of food insecurity, as well as the impact of climate change on the country’s food systems. Panelists included Gbenga Alao, rural development expert and associate professor, Bolanle Olorode a training manager at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oluwole Oluwatola an agripreneur and researcher, and Cosmas Olaniyan a development innovation and impact management consultant.

The discussion opened with an overview of Nigeria’s current food security status, highlighting alarming statistics that reveal over 25.3 million Nigerians face food insecurity, with significant rates of malnutrition among children. The panellists emphasized that, despite Nigeria’s rich agricultural potential, climate change, conflict, and economic instability continue to exacerbate the food crisis.

One key takeaway from the webinar was the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing food insecurity. Panelists discussed innovative agricultural practices, the importance of policy advocacy, and the role of community engagement in building resilience against food shortages. They underscored that collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and local farmers are essential to creating sustainable food systems.

JDPC Ibadan’s commitment to promoting food security was evident throughout the discussion. The organization has been actively involved in various initiatives to support smallholder farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and advocate for better policies that address the root causes of food insecurity.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants posed thoughtful questions and shared their perspectives on the topics discussed. The lively interaction underscored the community’s commitment to tackling food insecurity collaboratively.

In his closing remarks, Adekola Ojerinde thanked the panellists and participants for their contributions and reiterated JDPC Ibadan's dedication to fostering a food-secure Nigeria. He emphasized that by working together, we can transform the paradox of hunger into a reality of nourishment and abundance for all Nigerians