The Abuja chapter of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) has organised quiz competition to inspire young Nigerians to embrace livestock agriculture as a career.
The competition held in Abuja, offered a platform for young pupils to showcase their understanding of animal science and agriculture, a reminder that the future of agriculture rests in the curiosity of young Nigerians.
The theme of the quiz is, “Young Animal Scientist Secondary School Quiz Competition’’.
Mr John Taiwo, Chairman of the ASAN, Abuja, said that the field of animal science is the largest part of agriculture and the leading professional course in agriculture, offering diverse and impactful careers.
He told the participants that they could explore few exciting career paths such as animal nutritionist, genetics and breeding specialist, livestock entrepreneur (agribusiness tycoon), research scientist, livestock extension officer, among others.
The ASAN Chairman, represented by Dr Oluchi Agubosi, Head of Animal Science Department of the University of Abuja, tasked the youths on the responsibilities awaiting them.
“The reality is, Nigeria and indeed the world need you. As our population grows and the demand for nutritious food especially protein from animals increase rapidly, who will lead this effort?
“Think about it, you are the future guardians of our food security, the innovators who will make agriculture modern, cool and highly technological,’’ Taiwo said.
Agubosi who doubles as the HOD of Animal Science Department, University, Abuja, said that agriculture and animal science were the sector largely responsible for the sustenance of food security in the nation.
She said to achieve this, it was important that technocrats running the sector remained proactive in order to ensure optimal production of what the masses need for survival.
Agubosi expressed optimism that finding a lasting solution to the farmer-herder clashes was one of the major reason the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) was created.
According to her, people in animal science are also playing a vital role in that aspect.
Decrying the high cost of meat in the market, she said resolving the issue of farmer-herder clashes with ranching where the cows could be fed with better fodder was the way to go.
Mr Victor Egbon, Director, Department of Ruminants and Monogastric Development of the FMLD, told NAN that there were a number of activities on ground to tackle Nigeria’s food situation.
He disclosed that a strategy known as Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy consisted of ten pillars and one of them had to do with encouraging peaceful co-existence and reduction in herder-farmer clashes.
“How we intend to do that is to make sure that all the grazing reserves that were abandoned are going to be rehabilitated,’’ Egbon said.
Dr Azeezah Babalola, Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Quiz Anchor, said that the competition was their pre-conference program scheduled to take place soon.
She said that the quiz was to inspire young minds into agriculture and careers in animal science which holds future prospects for them.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation to all the competing 15 schools in the FCT.
Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada emerged first position scoring 65 points in a total of six sessions, winning cash prize of N125, 000.
School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada took the second position with a total of 60 points, winning cash prize of N100,000, while Government Secondary School, Dangara came third with 55 points, with N75,000 cash prize.
