FG Advocates Mechanization for Food Sovereignty at Lecture

During the 90th lecture honoring Prof. Gabriel Ayodele Makanjuola at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Osun State, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that mechanization and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) are crucial for Nigeria's food sovereignty. The lecture, themed "Honoring Nigerian Forerunners in Agricultural Engineering," marked Prof. Makanjuola's 90th birthday.

Kyari highlighted the need for a renewed hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu, asserting that mechanization is essential for economic sovereignty and should not be viewed merely as support. He praised Prof. Makanjuola's contributions, including his innovations in food processing machinery, which earned him three British patents.

Kyari called on young engineers to emulate Makanjuola's model of impactful work rather than seeking recognition. He outlined the government's priorities, which include expanding agricultural mechanization, accelerating agro-industrial growth, and enhancing value addition through the SAPZ program.