Princess Medeyonmi Akran Advocates Sustainable Food Sovereignty for Nigeria’s Agricultural Future

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Team Lead of MedRoyal Food Hub, Princess Medeyonmi Akran Dada, has called for a national paradigm shift from the pursuit of mere food security to the establishment of a sustainable food sovereignty system that empowers Nigerians to control their food destiny.

Speaking in Lagos, Princess Akran emphasized that true progress in Nigeria’s agricultural development lies not only in producing enough food but in ensuring that Nigerians have ownership and control over how their food is cultivated, processed, and consumed.

“Food sovereignty is not merely about having enough to eat; it is about owning our food systems — from the soil that nurtures our crops to the cultural identity expressed in our meals,” she stated. “Considering the agricultural dynamics of our great country, Nigerians deserve more than just the abundance of food. We must define and defend how exactly we want our food from the farm to the table.”

This year’s World Food Day theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” mirrors MedRoyal Food Hub’s commitment to strengthening local agricultural value chains and promoting traditional food systems that are inclusive, resilient, and community-driven.

Princess Akran urged the government at all levels to demonstrate strong political will and policy coherence that will support smallholder farmers, local food processors, and agri-entrepreneurs, noting that reliance on imported food products undermines the nation’s self-reliance and agricultural strength.

“We cannot continue to depend on food importation when our local produce can feed the nation and sustain future generations,” she said. “The time has come for us to implement homegrown policies that make farming profitable, food accessible, and nutrition culturally relevant.”

Highlighting the broader benefits of food sovereignty, she noted that the model promotes self-sufficiency, local economic development, and environmental sustainability. It also preserves indigenous knowledge, protects biodiversity, and reduces the carbon footprint caused by food imports.

“It’s also a matter of dignity and identity,” Princess Akran added. “What we eat tells the story of who we are and how we value our land and people.”

As part of MedRoyal’s advocacy for cultural and nutritional awareness, she spotlighted ẹwà agoin, a traditional beans delicacy that symbolizes resilience and nourishment.

“Ẹwà agoin is not just food; it is a heritage of resilience and nourishment,” she said. “It is high in protein, fibre, and essential minerals, yet deeply rooted in our culinary history. We should make deliberate efforts to feature such meals more prominently in our daily menus, school feeding programmes, and public health campaigns.”

Princess Akran reaffirmed MedRoyal Food Hub’s dedication to collaborating with farmers, food producers, and nutrition advocates in building a food system that is locally driven, equitable, and culturally grounded.

“When we achieve food sovereignty,” she concluded, “we do not only secure our plates; we secure our future.”