Coordination of Actors on Food Security and Livelihood (CAFOSEL), a network of 17 organisations working in food security, nutrition, agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, has marked the 2026 World Food Day with community food support and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods.
The event, held at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Ibadan, attracted more than 60 participants from within and outside the network.
Held under the action theme: ‘GIVE. GROW. INNOVATE. NOURISH,’ the programme translated the global World Food Day theme, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,’ into practical interventions, including food distribution to vulnerable households, promotion of urban agriculture, an innovation showcase and the launch of Ibadan Green Mart.
The initiative also aligned with the World Council of Churches’ Prayer and Action Against Hunger Coalition campaign: ‘Give Your Loaves and Fish,’ which encourages practical responses to hunger and food insecurity.
Speaking at the event, Director of Ecumenism of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Testimony Onifade, emphasised the connection between food security and peaceful coexistence, noting that societies struggling with hunger face challenges to their overall well-being and stability.
Alhaji Isiaka, Deputy Director of Media and Communication, who represented the director of the NOA, commended CAFOSEL and its partners for their efforts towards addressing food insecurity.
Similarly, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Afolabi, harped on the need to embrace evolving agricultural practices while ensuring environmental conservation.
A retired medical doctor and garden enthusiast, Dame Dr. Ademito Iyun, encouraged households to embrace gardening as a means of improving access to fresh food and promoting self-sufficiency.
Rev. Dr. Victor-Tade, popularly known as Mama Empowerment, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and youth participation in food security and livelihood initiatives.
A major highlight of the programme was the GIVE Community Solidarity Action, through which more than 15 households received food items, including rice, beans, tomato paste, garri and kulikuli.
Under the GROW initiative, participants also received seedlings and plants, including ewedu, tomatoes, oregano, African basil, artemisia and king-of-bitter, donated by Mrs Oluwatomi Olatoye of the Urban Agriculture Garden and Academy.
The innovation showcase provided an opportunity to explore practical solutions to food system challenges, while the launch of Ibadan Green Mart was designed to promote product display, strengthen market access and establish connections among farmers, producers and enterprises.
CAFOSEL said the programme was made possible through the collective efforts of its coordinating team, member organisations and partners, with significant contributions from Pastor Elijah Adejimi, founder of For Nature and Future Ecogreen Initiative; Rev. Dr. James Aderele; Dtn. Victoria Oyekanmi; and Ms. Feranmi Feyisetan, alongside other stakeholders.
The network appreciated the collaboration and support of the NOA and the World Council of Churches, represented by Toyosi Olatayo of Palmira Farmtrade.