To advance Sports Diplomacy and Food Security in commemoration of the United Nations World Nutrition Month, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos chapter in partnership with Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC) and the Defence Headquarters unveiled FOOD SECURITY And SPORTS DIPLOMACY as part of the tools to reinvigorate international significance of the power of sports and security and the dynamic features embedded in it.
The event, which had the delegation of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa Gwabin, Olowu of Owu, HRM, Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola, Customs Comptroller General, represented by his delegation, Dr Ayo Ogunsan and Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, DR D.K Olukoya, the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) zone 2 Headquarters, who were special guests of honour and Chief Guest Speakers respectively gave remarkable delivery on the roles of security in national progression and its success in international economy.
The event, which was powered by Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), Coca-Cola, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Promasidor and Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, got dignified attention as key points on national and global relevance were highlighted
The event, which was held at the Rahman Bello Hall inside the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, reinforced the fact that security, as the major pillar of any human habitation and existence, cannot be undermined but must be taken into consideration with utmost importance.
With the theme: “Path to Wellness Begins from Health to the Meal” – Food Security and Sports Diplomacy, the Lagos sportswriters family and its partners used the event to reinforce the importance of good nutrition once again to enhance optimum performance in any sporting activity as the association continues to establish a smoother synergy and collaboration with institutions to join in the advocacy of nutrition to build a healthier and safer society.
The presence of high-profile guests added glamour to the international forum. From the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher Gwabin, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, Comptroller General of Customs Services, CG Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Gbenga Adeniyi, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Mr Adegoke Fayoade who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Okunade, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire Worldwide, Pastor (Dr) Daniel Olukoya, who was represented by the Chairman House Fellowship Management Board, Pastor Abayomi Gabriel.
Others are the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola, his wife, Olori Adijat Bamidele Matemilola, Oniwaya of Iwaya, HRM Sulaiman Oloko, who was represented by his wife, Olori Rebecca Temitope Oloko, a Board member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, who was also represented by Mr Aina Abayomi and a host of others who included students of Mountain Top University and students of Queen College, Lagos.
Chairman of Lagos SWAN, the Chief Host of the event, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, described the United Nations Nutrition Month as a special event which people should take seriously, especially the stakeholders in the sports sector.
According to her, Lagos SWAN carefully chose the theme: “Path to Wellness Begins from Health to the Meal” to promote nutrition and wellness, particularly among young adults and rising youths, and to emphasise the importance of food security, health, and safety in achieving overall wellness.
“I would like to say that a critical aspect of food, security, health, safety, nutrition, and environment must be integrated to enable social development. We should have it in mind that a productive economy, social security, and proper hygiene and dietetic habits are integral components of human existence,” Oladunni said.
While delivering his Keynote address, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher Gwabin, commended the Lagos SWAN for coming up with a programme that brought Nigerians together to discuss pertinent issues affecting their daily lives.
“The indispensable link between national security, food productivity, and a robust nutritional system is essential for sustainable food production and effective nutritional systems, but these can only be possible if there is a secure environment,” the CDS said through his representative, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman.
While praising Ambassador Oladunni-led Lagos SWAN, the CDS noted that the association’s advocacy has once again amplified critical conversations around food security, youth health, and community wellness, leveraging excellence in sports journalism.
“We must commend the sports writers association in Lagos for this laudable role to highlight sports diplomacy as a tool for uniting communities, promoting peace, and fostering holistic well-being,” the CDS said.
Gen Gwabin told his audience that the Nigerian armed forces are not left out in using sports as a unifying force within the country and the African continent.
“We recently successfully hosted the All African Military Games in Kaduna, where over 40 African militaries were in attendance. This event demonstrated the Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering unity among African nations and underscores the Nigerian military’s recognition of the interconnectedness of security, food production, nutrition, and sports diplomacy in national development,” he said.
Speaking of the “Role of Food Security in International Diplomacy, AIG Adegoke Fayoade said that security plays a major role in the socio-economic well-being of the people and has become a significant force that society needs to reckon with.
“Let me state emphatically that security is not just a government obligation but an economic strategy. A secure environment attracts investment. Investment creates jobs. Jobs reduce crime. Reduced crime reinforces national stability. It is a cycle that we, as members of the Nigeria Police Force, are committed to sustaining.
“I therefore call upon all stakeholders from government ministries to corporate leaders, from civil society to international development partners to recognise the central role of the Police and work with us in building a Nigeria where investment is not just possible, but preferable.
“Let us build a nation where local businesses grow unhindered, where global firms expand with confidence, and where local and foreign investors can look at our country and say: ‘Nigeria is safe, Nigeria is ready,” the AIG said through his representative, ASP Okunade.
The event was so colourful, and the students of Mountain Top University and Queen’s College attested to the fact that they gained a lot by attending the Lagos SWAN event.
