Abuja, Nigeria, 28 November, 2023 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) marked a pivotal moment in its commitment to advancing strategic commodities for Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) with its second event in Nigeria. Prof. Zulfiqar Ali , Director at the Programs and Projects Department, led the organization's delegation for the Regional Workshop Training on "Cassava Next Generation Breeding," held on 28-29 November 2023 in Abuja, Republic of Nigeria.
This in-person cassava-focused workshop follows the first successful event, the "Regional Training Workshop on Strategic Planning and Policy Development in Food Security," which took place between 21-22 December 2022 in Abuja.
The realization of this training workshop was made possible through close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) of Nigeria, with key contributions from institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI).
The event attracted 23 participants from Nigeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, and Togo, representing national ministries of agriculture, research institutes, and academia researchers focused on the cassava sub-sector. This collaborative platform facilitated discussions on innovative solutions and challenges, aiming to enhance cassava planting materials, increase production, and boost productivity in OIC Member States, with a specific focus on West Africa.
Honourable Minister HE Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the government of Nigeria through FMAFS, commended IOFS for its impactful initiatives in combating food insecurity and enhancing the livelihoods of cassava farmers and value chain actors. He expressed gratitude and pledged continued cooperation with IOFS to achieve food security in the West African region.
The first day of the event received substantial support from Nigeria, showcasing the host country's expertise in various segments of cassava Next Generation Breeding. International experts from the Dubai-based International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Nigeria, Cameroon, and Benin Republic shared their experiences, enriching West African participants with valuable insights.
Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, IOFS Cassava Program Consultant and event coordinator, played a crucial role in ensuring the workshop's positive outcome.
This event stands as a testament to IOFS's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in cassava cultivation, contributing to the overarching goal of achieving food security in the OIC Member States.
