Martina Ogbonna
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has praised the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Journalists (NAAJ) and its members for their contributions to the nation’s agricultural sector.
The commendation was given during a visit by the Secretary General of IFAJ, Mr. Andrian Bells, to Nigeria. His visit was aimed at sharing insights on the upcoming IFAJ Congress, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in October.
Mr. Bells acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian agricultural journalists in not only advancing agricultural journalism and advocating for farmers’ issues but also in promoting the country’s rich cuisine. He emphasized that agricultural journalism, though often undervalued, plays a crucial role in driving conversations around food security.
During his first visit to Nigeria, Mr. Bells also toured parts of West Africa and expressed a keen interest in revisiting Lagos, the “state of aquatic splendour,” citing its hospitality and vibrant culinary scene. He also expressed a desire to visit agricultural institutes in Nigeria to gain firsthand knowledge of government interventions in the sector.
In response, the President of NAAJ, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to highlighting developmental goals within the agricultural sector despite existing challenges. He emphasized that NAAJ members are critical stakeholders in the industry and remain dedicated to providing valuable information that enhances agricultural productivity and ensures food security in the country.