AVMS UNIJOS declares war on Nigeria’s food crisis

The Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) University of Jos chapter has declared war against the current food crisis prevalent in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to rise and tackle the looming danger.

At its recently concluded three-day annual Veterinary Student Week, held between March 6 and 9, 2024, experts in the field called for urgent action to save the country from going into a full food crisis.

Led by Comrade Badung Emmanuel Gyang, the event provided students with a reprieve from their academic commitments while fostering networking opportunities, discussions on pressing issues, and insights from seasoned veterinarians.

The event commenced with a rally aimed at raising public awareness about the program, followed by a diverse array of activities including indoor and outdoor sports, talk shows, public lectures, seminars, hiking, and a social night.

Among the highlights was a public lecture delivered by Dr. Daniel Joel, CEO of Vetville, Jos, focusing on the theme “Food Security: A Contemporary Challenge in Nigeria and the Role of Veterinarians.”

During the lecture, Dr. Joel emphasised the critical importance of food security, defining it as the consistent access to nutritious food necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He highlighted the escalating demand for food in Nigeria, exacerbated by the economic downturn and the devaluation of the naira, and stressed the vital role veterinarians play in addressing this challenge.

Key strategies mentioned included proper livestock management, disease surveillance and reporting, the adoption of appropriate farming practices, public education and enlightenment, as well as research and innovation.

Another notable speaker, Dr Naomi Danjuma-Audu, discussed the role of veterinarians in combating bovine tuberculosis, a well-established zoonotic disease. Dr. Danjuma-Audu underscored the significance of animal health, particularly in livestock, for ensuring food security.

She identified bovine tuberculosis as a major threat to meat and milk production in Nigeria and elaborated on its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods.

Drawing from her research, Dr Danjuma-Audu highlighted the alarming trend of bovine tuberculosis spreading to humans, emphasising the need for rigorous surveillance and control measures.

She emphasised the importance of ante-mortem and post-mortem meat inspection by veterinarians, along with the screening of cattle at abattoirs, to prevent the spread of the disease.

Additionally, she cautioned against consuming unpasteurized milk, especially from infected cows, as it poses a significant risk of contracting tuberculosis.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Danjuma-Audu called for collaborative efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, livestock owners, and abattoir workers to combat food insecurity effectively.

The event concluded successfully, with attendees, including lecturers and students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Jos, leaving with a deeper understanding of the crucial role veterinarians play in ensuring food security in Nigeria.