The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Sahel Nigeria Limited and Agriculture Correspondence Association of Nigeria (ACAN) are set to celebrate the 2023 World Milk Day recognising the value of milk globally.
It could be recalled that in 2001 the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) established the World Milk Day in recognition of the importance of milk as a global food.
The World Milk Day with the theme, “Sustainable Dairy: Good for Planet, Good for you would be held at the Trade and Convention Centre of ACCI along the International Airport road from 30th May to 1st June, 2023.
Speaking on the Day, the Director General ACCI, Victoria Akai said milk is a very vital nutrient to healthy diet of human development especially for young and aged peoples whilst expressing readiness towards the June 1st World Dairy Day celebration.
“Research shows that many households depend on milk for their diets from cheese, beverages and baking foods of all kinds. However, in Nigeria, 37 percent of about 31 million children under five years are stunted, according to official figures by United States Agency for International Aid, (USAID) as a result of malnutrition. Thus, the need for more production of milk for consumption and national economic growth.”
She called on the necessary authorities in Nigeria to ensure adequate production of milk for sufficiency, adding that this will serve as a catalyst for business development and as well bridging the gap of local milk supply.
The Executive Director ACCI-NPAC, Mr Chidiebere Onwumere added that the milk is rich in calcium, which promotes healthy teeth and bones. The reason commemoration of the day to remind us the importance of milk to our daily living. Also, the celebration is a day to’ call to action’ some dairy policies that are yet implemented for the benefits of all a sundry.
He said the event marking the World Milk Day is to look at the entire dairy value chain and the challenges bedevilling sufficient local milk production which includes; poor milk collection and cold chain logistics systems, low cattle reproductive health, sparse adoption of modern dairy farming techniques among the dairy farmers.
He added that the major reason for this upcoming event is creating awareness about the benefit of dairy product and push for increased consumption for a healthy nation.
Also, the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), the apex body promoting the interest of commercial dairy industry operators in Nigeria, Mr Dianabasi, said experts in the dairy industry and experienced industry practitioners will be on hand as speakers and panellists to provide invaluable insights on workable financing strategies that Nigeria can adopt to build a globally competitive dairy industry.
“CODARAN has been at the forefront of creating an enabling and business-friendly environment for the dairy sector in Nigeria, and the World Milk Day celebrations present a veritable platform to pursue this noble goal.
“Accordingly, the World Milk Day Conference, the grand finale of the mega celebrations on June 1, has as theme: “Pathways to Financing Nigeria’s Milk Revolution,” and will focus primarily on strategic funding options for dairy businesses in Nigeria. It will bring together dairy industry players, government agencies, development finance institutions and other financial service organisations with specialized funding programmes for the dairy industry” he said.
According to ACAN president, Mr. John Oba, the government should encourage more private sector investment in the sector to enhance Nigeria attainment of milk sufficient.
He said the event will give stakeholders the opportunity to x-ray the livestock sector and come up with unified agenda on how the sector can achieve milk sufficient within the shortest possible time.
It is expected that stakeholders will use the occasion to sensitise Nigerians on the National Diary Policy and National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)
Meanwhile, the FMARD and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) backward integration has been commendable for the speedy implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).
Signed
Olayemi John-Mensah
Media/Communication for LOC
