The Federal Government has tasked Civil Servants on food Security and innovation, says agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a key driver of food security, job creation and poverty reduction.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this at the Annual Ministerial Reward and Recognition Ceremony on Monday in Abuja.

Kyari said the event was organised to celebrate excellence, commitment and innovation in the ministry under the theme: “Nurturing Dedication, Growing Sustainable Agriculture.”

According to him, the theme underscores the importance of commitment in building a sustainable agricultural sector.

“Sustainable agriculture does not grow by chance. It grows through the dedication of our farmers who rise before dawn, our researchers who seek better solutions, our policymakers who provide enabling frameworks and our partners who invest in the future of food security.

“Agriculture has remained the backbone of our economy.

“As we face global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and economic uncertainty, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more urgent.

“Sustainable agriculture ensures that we meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he said.

The minister said the award recipients had demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing agricultural development and sustainability in the country.

He added that their dedication showed that with passion, hard work and vision, challenges could be transformed into opportunities that would cultivate prosperity for the nation.

“As we celebrate your achievements, may this event also motivate others to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.

“Let us continue to nurture dedication in our workforce and grow a sustainable agricultural sector that will feed our nation and strengthen our economy for generations to come,” Kyari said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate excellence, dedication and exceptional service within the ministry.

He described agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development and a critical driver for achieving national food security, job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.

Ogunbiyi said the event aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda, especially the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), which promotes a performance-driven culture across the civil service.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), commended Kyari for institutionalising a culture of recognition and appreciation in line with public service rules.

Garba, represented by Mr. Agodi Emmanuel of the OHCSF, said the initiative would motivate staff, enhance productivity and contribute to the ministry’s overall success.

The awardees included Mr. Obasi Ikemefuna of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Dr. Christiana Malgwi of the Department of Extension Services and Mr. Pente Kelvin, among others.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi, Director of Extension Services, thanked the ministry’s leadership for the recognition.

He said the awards would motivate staff to work harder toward achieving the ministry’s mandate of ensuring food and nutrition security in the country. (NAN)