BISHOP MATTHEW HASSAN KUKAH Appointed As Trustee of NIFST
By John Ikpea
The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), penultimate Thursday, appointed the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Matthew Hassan Kukah as Trustee of the Institute.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah is a distinguished Nigerian cleric, scholar and advocate for peace and social justice in Nigeria and beyong.
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Other Trustees of the Institute includes, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife (Ojaja II); Mama (Oloye) Iyabode Ladipo, Chairman, Lisabi MillsLimited, Lagos and His Excellency, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd), former Chief of Naval Staff and former Governor of Adamawa state, Nigeria. They have all contributed immensely to the growth and development of NIFST.
The Institute has several governing council members and past presidents.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, President and Chairman of governing council of NIFST, Dr. Bola Osinowo, described Bishop Kukah as a detribalized Nigerian, a priest with an unblemished character, proven integrity, unbiased of his enviable pastoral assignments and unrepentant advocate for justice, democracy and effective leadership.
Speaking further, Dr. Osinowo said the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is an astute erudite scholar worthy of emulation, a doyen of his generation and an epitome of service to God and humanity.
“Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah brings wealth of experience and deep passion for the advancement of food science in Nigeria and his dedication to our mission is evident.
“We are confident that his vision will help propel our Institute to greater heights. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping our future initiatives, fostering innovation and ensuring that we remain at forefront of this dynamic fields”, Osinowo said. According to the President, the basic role of the Trustees is to guide, among other responsibilities, the affairs of the Institute.
Harping extensively on the current global food crisis characterized by food scarcity, hunger and starvation, Osinowo observed that it is significantly impacting developing countries particularly those reliant on food imports.
“Our country is at crossroads and the role of NIFST to ameliorate the challenge should not be underestimated. Food science plays a crucial role in addressing this crisis by offering solutions for increased food production, sustainable farming practices and food preservation.
“While we need to support government at all levels for the eradication of poverty through food security, it is also pertinent that the federal government of Nigeria should accelerate collaborations with NIFST for the enhancement of food production.
“Advancements in food processing and technology are transforming the food industry all over the world and we shall continue to inform the government that NIFST is positioned to explore new methodologies that enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability in food production in Nigeria. Rising food prices, climate change and other challenges are what NIFST is strongly positioned to address which can be significantly impact food security and livelihoods”, he concluded.
In his response, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah said he wholeheartedly accepted the appointment and would uphold the values and objectives of NIFST, promote the advancement of food science and technology and contribute positively to the Institute’s growth and development.
Dignitaries in attendance were the Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Dr. (Mrs) Jummai Adamu Tutuwa; Mr. Roland Olusola Olawale, keynote speaker and Managing Director, Feed Me Ventures Limited; Hajiya Bola Usman, Founder/President Islamic Geen Club; the General General, NAFDAC, represented by a Deputy Director at the agency, Mr. Paul Kawai, amongst others.
The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) is a body of over 10,000 professionals in academia, government, research institution, food and allied industries, committed to improving food safety and food security in Nigeria and Africa. The Institute is also a driving force in the founding and growth of West African Association of Food Science Technology (WAAFoST) and an adhering body of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) which is a Federation of National Food Scientists and Technologies (FoNFST).
NIFST was established in 1976 as a non-profit organization and has members working in the manufacturing industries, tertiary and research institutions, regulatory and ministries, departments and agencies of Nigeria.
