World Food Day 2025: Project SPRINT Director Advocates for Food Sovereignty, Collaboration
The Country Director of Project SPRINT, Mr. Israel James, who was appointed Chairman of the 2025 World Food Day Webinar organized by the Association of Commercial Farmers and Agro-Allied Producers of Nigeria (ACFAAPON), delivered an inspiring message that set the tone for the event.
With the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” the webinar brought together key policymakers, researchers, and agribusiness leaders to explore solutions for sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Mr. James underscored the importance of food sovereignty, sustainable agricultural practices, and collective policy action as the foundation for a better food future. He emphasized that genuine progress in agriculture must protect both human health and the environment.
“A future where our food is truly better is one where agricultural practices are healthier, ecosystems are protected, and farmers are empowered,” he said.
Drawing from successful models, Mr. James highlighted Nigeria’s Shea Butter Policy as a blueprint for transformative agricultural policy—one that created global markets, empowered rural women, and boosted national export earnings. He urged stakeholders to replicate such policy-driven success with indigenous crops like coffee, which he described as key to diversifying Nigeria’s agribusiness sector and strengthening its foreign exchange base.
Mr. James’s input resonated with participants as he challenged the agricultural community to take ownership of national food systems by rejecting harmful external inputs such as GMOs and toxic pesticides, while embracing “smart, sovereign crop policies” that prioritize local resources and knowledge.
“To make this vision real, collaboration is non-negotiable,” he affirmed. “ACFAAPON must continue to work hand in hand with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to shape new markets and strengthen our agricultural independence.”
As Chairman, Mr. James steered the discourse toward actionable collaboration between farmers, government ministries, and the private sector, reaffirming Project SPRINT’s commitment to supporting ACFAAPON’s advocacy and engagement with key decision-makers in the agricultural sector.
His leadership and depth of insight during the event drew commendations from participants, who described his contribution as both visionary and strategic, aligning with the broader national agenda for sustainable food security.
Other distinguished speakers at the event included Prof. Adanna Henri-Ukoha, Dr. Olagunju Lateef Idowu, Prof. Olufemi M. Adesope, Arc. Benedict Itegbe, and Mr. Ayodele Olowu, with institutional support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NEPC, IITA, SMEDAN, and Kaduna Business School.
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In closing, Mr. James commended Engr. Fidelis Amadi, National President of ACFAAPON, for providing a platform that unites thought leaders and farmers toward shared goals of better food systems and national prosperity.
His address not only inspired attendees but also reinforced the role of visionary leadership and coordinated policy action in achieving Nigeria’s long-term agricultural transformation.
