Speakers warn against inaction during FULafia conference

The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has hosted the 5th and 6th combined National Conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences, with the theme: “Climate Change, Food Crisis and Sustainable Development.”

The three-day conference, held at the MIS Multipurpose Hall in the University’s Permanent Site Campus, brought together academics, policymakers, students and stakeholders from across Nigeria to address the urgent and interlinked challenges of climate change and food insecurity.

Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, described the conference as a historic moment for the institution and commended the Faculty of Social Sciences for organising it.

“This conference is both apt and timely,” he said, adding:“Governments, at all levels, are stepping up their efforts to ensure food security and create wealth for sustainable economic development. I have no doubt that the concerns raised are the foundations upon which the theme and sub-themes of this conference are anchored.”

He expressed his deep appreciation to the local organising committee and faculty for their commitment and hard work in making the event a reality.

The chairman of the occasion, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, represented by Dr Dalhatu Mohammed Ahmed, said that the conference was crucial for national survival, especially given the realities of climate change.

He said: “This conference is of great importance, particularly considering the urgency of the issues around climate change. It is a global concern, not just a Nigerian one, and we must continue to engage constructively on these critical matters.

He conveyed the senator’s goodwill, explaining that Wadada was unavoidably absent due to international commitments, but remained fully supportive of the objectives of the gathering.

The keynote speaker, Professor Theophilus Daniel Lagi, emphasised the long-term environmental impact of human activities and the importance of sustainability in policymaking.

“This topic, climate change, food crisis and sustainable development, remains relevant because of the worsening environmental degradation we see today,” he said, continuing:“Unlike our ancestors who lived in harmony with nature, we have overexploited the environment for over a century. The result is frequent floods, droughts and other extreme events that threaten livelihoods and food systems.”

He said that ignoring the science of climate change would only deepen vulnerability and delay effective action.

Delivering the welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. George Genyi, said that the conference was organised to generate practical ideas to address key development challenges facing Nigeria and broader global South.

“We are deeply honoured to have such eminent scholars, dignitaries and alumni join us at this important academic gathering,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to the vice-chancellor for his unwavering support and to the royal father of the day, His Royal Highness, the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji(Dr) Aliyu Oga Onawo, who despite mourning the loss of his daughter, sent a representative, saying that his gesture demonstrated his commitment to the development of Nigeria. 

He also thanked Wadada for being part of the event, appreciating Senator Titus Zam for his legislative role in the creation of the North-central Development Commission.

Genyi said: “We are equally grateful to Professor Elem Oluwa Femi Alabi of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who agreed to present the lead paper.

Prof Genyi concluded by thanking the deans, directors, professors and members of University’s Senate and his colleagues in the faculty for making the event a success.