Adamawa First Lady, MAU VC Honored at REFOSTS 2025

The city of Yola came alive on Monday, 15th September 2025, as Modibbo Adama University (MAU) hosted the maiden Regional Food Science and Technology Summit (REFOSTS 2025) for the Northeast.

The summit gathered policymakers, academics, civil society, farmers, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss “The State of Food Security, Safety, and Nutrition Nexus.”

In his keynote, Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA), stressed the need for urgent, coordinated action against malnutrition. He highlighted five priority areas: stronger regulation, nutrition education, empowering smallholder farmers, building policy partnerships, and raising public awareness on food systems.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Her Excellency, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, First Lady of Adamawa State, for her work in nutrition advocacy, food security, and women’s empowerment. Represented by Hon. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, Commissioner of Women Affairs, she toured food science innovations by MAU staff and students, pledging continuous support for local talents.

“Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy society. I am committed to supporting every effort that strengthens food security and empowers our people, especially women and children,” she said.

Professor Ibrahim Umar, Vice Chancellor of MAU, was also recognized for his leadership in driving food science research and innovation.

Goodwill messages poured in from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Nigerian Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFST), and the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST).

The summit ended with exhibitions, food innovation showcases, and strong calls for multi-sectoral collaboration to safeguard food systems and improve nutrition across the Northeast.