Lagos – Ambassador Olakunle Moses Johnson, National President and Board of Trustees Chairman of the MATAN Group, used the second day of the three‑day national workshop at the National Institute of Sport, National Stadium, Surulere, to outline the organisation’s Automated Food‑Security Initiative (AMISI/METS). Speaking to a gathering of federal, state, and local leaders, Amb. Olakunle Johnson described the programme as a digital‑first approach designed to eliminate hunger and reduce insecurity across Nigeria.
In his opening address, Amb. Olakunle Johnson extended appreciation to elected officials, community representatives, and security stakeholders, noting that their collaboration is essential for training participants on the initiative’s dynamic guidelines, implementation processes, and the supporting digital platform. He stressed that the project’s core is digitalisation, which will enable transparent tracking of food production, storage, and distribution.
“The initiative centres on digitalisation, aiming to provide lasting solutions to food insecurity,” Amb. Olakunle Johnson explained. He detailed how the plan, already communicated to all tiers of government, encourages community members—both landlords and tenants—to contribute land and engage with financial institutions, both local and international, for mechanisation investments that boost agricultural output.
A key component highlighted was the establishment of strategically located food banks capable of storing perishable and non‑perishable items. These facilities, combined with a multipurpose digital ID system linked to every household, will ensure universal coverage—from newborns to elders—and guarantee equitable access to food resources.
Amb. Olakunle Johnson underscored the link between hunger and insecurity, stating that well‑fed and gainfully occupied youths are far less vulnerable to recruitment by criminal elements. “When youths are fed and engaged, they are less likely to be drawn into harmful activities,” he said, positioning the platform as a root‑cause intervention against banditry and terrorism.
The guidelines, he added, are tailored for all participants—landlords, tenants, and community members—ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.
The multipurpose ID cards, issued to every individual irrespective of age or tenure, will serve as the gateway to the food‑security ecosystem. “Whether you are a landlord, tenant, or newborn, you deserve that particular card,” Johnson affirmed, emphasising inclusivity and the intent to cover the entire Nigerian populace.
Amb. Olakunle Johnson also called for continued partnership between MATAN and government agencies, urging federal, state, and local authorities to integrate the initiative into existing agricultural and security frameworks. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts would transform food systems, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to national stability.
The event, now in its second day, continues to draw participation from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting widespread interest in scalable solutions to Nigeria’s food challenges. Interactive sessions facilitate hands‑on training for community leaders, ensuring they can replicate the model within their locales.
In his concluding remarks, Amb. Olakunle Johnson reiterated MATAN’s commitment: “We are ready to move forward together toward food security and lasting peace.” He thanked attendees for their engagement and pledged ongoing support to monitor progress, address obstacles, and scale successes nationwide.
The three‑day forum is expected to conclude tomorrow with the adoption of an implementation roadmap and commitments from stakeholders to mobilise resources, secure funding, and accelerate the rollout of the Automated Food‑Security Initiative across Nigeria.
