By Adeyinka Adeniran
In a bid to promote better health and extend life expectancy among Nigerians, experts in food science, agriculture, herbal medicine, and related fields have been called upon to focus on uncovering the numerous health benefits of plants for both humans and animals.
This was the key takeaway from the 6th Pharma-Food Congress organized by the Functional Food and Nutraceuticals Association of Nigeria (FFNAN), held from November 11 to 14, 2024, at the Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The event, themed “Functional Foods and Phytomedicines: An Emerging Nexus for Healthcare Management in Humans and Animal Husbandry,” aimed to inspire interest in functional foods and plant-based medicine, underscoring the need for research and advocacy in this emerging field.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Professor Lateef Sanni, urged Nigerian scientists to adopt more innovative approaches in exploring functional foods and phytomedicines.
He stressed that these natural remedies, which are rich in bioactive compounds, have the potential to transform health promotion for both humans and animals.
“Despite the richness of our biodiversity, Nigeria has failed to fully harness its vast natural resources to boost the well-being of its citizens,” Prof. Sanni remarked. He attributed this shortfall to the lack of action by key stakeholders in embracing nature’s gifts.
Prof. Sanni, who also serves as President of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops, outlined several strategic pathways through which functional foods and phytomedicines could enhance healthcare for both species.
In a similar vein, former Vice Chancellor of Landmark University, Kwara State, Prof. Charity Aremu, highlighted the remarkable health advantages of functional foods during her presentation. Titled “The Role of Functional Foods and Phytomedicines in Human and Animal Health,” her paper emphasized the importance of cultivating and promoting these natural health solutions. She detailed several crucial bioactive components, including antioxidants, antiinflammatories, immune support, antiparasitic properties, and antimicrobial effects.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ganiyu Oboh, the conference convener, encouraged young researchers to carve out a space for themselves in the blossoming field of functional foods and phytomedicines. He urged them to seek guidance from seasoned scholars and advocated for translating scientific findings into practical applications for the general public.
“Take science beyond paper presentations. Make your research findings count by ensuring they benefit humanity, especially by advancing food solutions that can alleviate a wide range of health challenges,” Prof. Oboh advised.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Abosede Fawole, head of the conference’s local organizing committee, noted the significance of the event, emphasizing that it was the first time the Polytechnic, Ibadan, had hosted a national academic association of this kind.
The conference featured numerous academic presentations and roundtable discussions, with distinguished guests including Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, acting rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, represented by deputy rector Mrs. Olaide Salawu. Among the other prominent scholars in attendance were Profs. Isiaka Amoo, Olufunmilayo Omoba, Ebenezer Farombi, and Oluwatoyin Odeku.
