FAO Rep o Nigeria and ECOWAS Dr Hussein Gadain Meet Ondo Gov, Reaffirm Commitment to Ongoing Global Environment Facility Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program (FOLUR).
By Raymond Enoch
In a high-level engagement aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between global institutions and state governments, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, paid a working visit to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, at the Government House in Akure.
The visit, which brought together key members of the Ondo State Executive Council, served to reaffirm the joint commitment between the FAO and the state government to the ongoing Global Environment Facility (GEF) Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program (FOLUR). The program, part of a broader multilateral initiative, aims to advance climate-smart agriculture, environmental restoration, and sustainable food systems in participating regions.
During the meeting, Dr. Gadain lauded the efforts of the Ondo State Government in implementing the FOLUR program and related biodiversity initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaborative governance in addressing global challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and food insecurity.
“Ondo State has demonstrated leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into agricultural development. Through FAO’s support and the commitment of local actors, we are seeing real progress in restoring degraded landscapes and promoting inclusive land access,” Dr. Gadain said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation for FAO’s sustained partnership and technical support, noting that the FOLUR program aligns with his administration’s priorities of improving rural livelihoods, enhancing food production, and conserving forest ecosystems.
“With the support of the FAO and other international partners, we are scaling up sustainable cocoa and palm oil value chains that are not only improving household incomes but also preserving our rich biodiversity. This partnership is essential to building a more resilient and equitable agricultural system for future generations,” the governor stated.
The FOLUR initiative in Ondo State focuses on promoting sustainable land management practices, restoring forest reserves affected by human encroachment, and ensuring equitable access to land resources for smallholder farmers. By fostering a landscape-level approach, the program integrates environmental sustainability with socio-economic development, contributing to Nigeria’s broader climate and food security goals.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the implementation of the FOLUR program and related biodiversity projects, with a shared vision of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of zero hunger, climate action, and life on land.
The meeting concluded with a tour of selected sites and discussions on scaling up successful models across other local government areas, positioning Ondo State as a beacon of agro-ecological transformation in the region.
