Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's ICT Adviser and Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, has asserted that food security transcends mere sustenance, calling it a matter of "sovereignty, stability, and dignity" that hinges on robust digital infrastructure in the 21st century.

Kolawole made the remarks during the 3rd Annual Lecture of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilorin Branch, held in honour of Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya, the Zanna of Ilorin and Principal Partner of Yolas Consultants.

The event, themed 'Addressing Food Security in Nigeria Through Digital Infrastructure: Prospects, Challenges, and the Way Forward', drew families, associates, traditional chiefs, and dignitaries nationwide. Kolawole stressed that leveraging technology in agriculture-from precision farming to supply chain digitisation-is critical to combating hunger and fostering economic resilience.

She affirmatively said: "To the engineers in this room: your work no longer ends at physical roads and bridges. You are now the architects of digital pathways - the hidden infrastructure upon which tomorrow’s farms, markets, and economies will run.

"Let's build them wisely. Let’s build them together. And let’s build them now."

In his remarks, Engr. Sagaya said this year's theme is to address two contemporary issues, infrastructure and national food insecurity.

He said food security is a serious threat to entire strata of the living in Nigeria.

Sagaya said: "Both the rich and the poor are struggling to purchase food items at reasonable and comfortable ease presently in Nigeria. Not only our spouses can tell the sad tales of hourly skyrocketing of prices at food markets, but the men of the house too, who had to provide the finance.

"There may be many reasons to account for this in our country now, but it is within the expectation that engineers should try to offer professional and expert advice on the way forward to attempt solving the problem.

"Globally, it is believed that all human endeavour can be efficiently improved via engineering principles and practice and smart engineering is the key word."

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the NSE, Engr Margaret Aina Oguntala, described the programme and its theme as both 'timely and crucial'.

Oguntala said: "The issue of food security has not been more pressing in the face of a global economic meltdown. Nigeria cannot ignore the fact that food security is a fundamental pillar of national development."

To this end, Oguntala who doubles as the NSE Chairman-in-Council noted that engineers, "it is our responsibility to contribute innovative solutions to this challenge".

Digital infrastructure, she added, has the potential to transform the way Nigeria approaches food production, distribution and consumption.

"By leveraging digital technologies, we can unlock new opportunities for agricultural growth, streamline supply chains, and ensure that food reaches every corner of our nation", she stated.

She hailed Engr. Lanre Sagaya, the Zana of Ilorin for being a trailblazer who has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to the engineering profession.

"His contributions have raised the profile of the NSE and played a pivotal role in the advancement of engineering practice in Nigeria", Oguntala who was represented by Prof. Olumide Ogundipe, NSE exco member, Engineering Technology & Innovation, added.

In his remark, the branch chairman, Engr Olusola Adetola Ogunjirin, said the event is a celebration of excellence, professionalism, and the remarkable contributions of Sagaya to the field of engineering and national development.

"This even serves as a platform for intellectual discourse, knowledge sharing, and fostering collaboration among engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

"Each year, this lecture provides us with valuable insights into contemporary engineering challenges and innovations that drive national growth", he said.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker and former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari of Poverty Eradication, Engr. Umar Bindir, said past and present leaders in the country have not been able to leveraged on the country's potential to tackle the issue of food security.

He said the country must deploy technology and engineering to ensure cheap and available food across the country.