Forum pushes for food security, smarter economic models

Calls for sustainable food security took centre stage as the Australian Awards Alumni Association of Nigeria (AAAN), Southwest chapter, hosted a capacity-building workshop in Lagos. Against the backdrop of inflation, rising food prices, and agricultural inefficiencies, members of the alumni network urged the adoption of smarter economic strategies particularly in agriculture to ensure long-term national […]

Calls for sustainable food security took centre stage as the Australian Awards Alumni Association of Nigeria (AAAN), Southwest chapter, hosted a capacity-building workshop in Lagos.

Against the backdrop of inflation, rising food prices, and agricultural inefficiencies, members of the alumni network urged the adoption of smarter economic strategies particularly in agriculture to ensure long-term national stability.

National President of AAAN, Abiodun Okunola, who anchored a session titled 21st Century Strategies for Adapting and Succeeding in a Developing Economy, while drawing on his experience and the collective strength of the alumni argued that food security must become a national priority one that relies less on subsidies and more on strategic, evidence-based interventions.

“When you pay subsidies to the wrong people, you fuel more inflation,” Okunola stated. “If we want price stability and improved food access, we must support the right farmers, at the right time, and in the right way. That’s how we stabilise markets and protect livelihoods.”

He challenged members to use the skills and global networks they gained from studying in Australia to address Nigeria’s most pressing development gaps.

“There’s untapped power in this room,” he said. “We’ve yet to fully deploy the strength of our alumni community to drive solutions, especially in agriculture, where innovation and reform are urgently needed.”

While food security was a focal point, the workshop also embraced broader themes of inclusion, education, and national empowerment.

Dr Olajumoke Akiode, the Southwest Coordinator of AAAN, delivered a compelling session titled Prioritising Gender Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment for National Development. She stressed that no country can develop with half its population sidelined.

“A bird does not fly with one wing,” she said. “If we are serious about development, we must go beyond talk and make gender inclusion a fundamental part of our policymaking and institutions.”

Dr Akiode encouraged government, civil society, and the private sector to identify and dismantle barriers to women’s full participation in leadership and economic activities.

“We are progressing, yes, but far too slowly,” she warned. “It’s time to challenge exclusion wherever we see it and build an economy that works for everyone.”

Her Excellency Leilani Bin-Juda PSM, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, also addressed the gathering. In her second visit to Lagos and first engagement with the Southwest alumni chapter, she praised the alumni’s commitment to positive change and reaffirmed Australia’s partnership with Nigeria.

“What we’ve seen today is living proof that education transforms not only individuals, but families, communities, and entire sectors,” she said. “This is not just about scholarships it’s about long-term partnerships. And these alumni are the bridge between our two countries.”

Bin-Juda highlighted Australia’s focus on three key areas of collaboration with Nigeria: trade and investment, international education, and multilateral cooperation.

The High Commissioner also lent her voice to the call for gender equity.

“Women make up 50 per cent of the population. Why shouldn’t they hold 50 per cent of the opportunity?” she asked, drawing from her own background in a remote Indigenous community in Queensland. “Education isn’t just about taking a course it’s about lifelong transformation. The results may take time, but they are lasting and profound.”