Date: 2009-10-19

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has conferred the Annual Presidential Award of Excellence on the Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agriculture.

The award, which is the Institute’s highest honour was conferred on Governor Saraki specifically in appreciation of his bold initiative in pioneering commercial agriculture in the State through the New Nigerian Farmers.

"On behalf of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), we write to convey to Your Excellency our unanimous decision to confer on you the Annual Presidential Award of Excellence in Agriculture and Food Production. This is the highest award and it is only given to statesmen who have made outstanding accomplishments and contributions in the area of food security", the Institute wrote in its letter to the governor.

The Institute noted with satisfaction the encouragement and support Governor Saraki has given to the New Nigerian Farmers which has brought agricultural revolution to the State especially in the revitalisation of agricultural production and food processing.

The body also commended him for subsidizing agricultural inputs for peasant farmers in the State to enhance increased productivity and his quest for national food security in the country.

The mission of the Institute is to harness the abundance of talents and knowledge among food professionals in Nigeria towards food security and safety and to discourage all forms of food adulteration and smuggling into the country.

The prestigious award which was presented to Dr Saraki at the Institute’s 2008 Annual Conference at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, was received by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Professor Mohammed Gana Yisa.

 
Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

October 19, 2008