The Federal Government says it is working with the FAO and other development partners to build a future where every Nigerian has access to food and sustainable healthy diet.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a schools debate held as part of activities marking the 2022 World Food Day.

Umakhihe said that as a global community, everyone had a role to play in the transformation of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems to enhance food and nutrition security.

He said the arrangement would also contribute to the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

“The Zero Hunger challenge is predicated on the common belief that with concerted efforts across multiple sectors, Nigeria can end hunger in our lifetime.

“We are working with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and other partners to build a future where everyone has access to food and sustainable healthy diet,’’ he said.

Speaking on the side-line of the event, Dr Joel Oruche, Director of Information in the ministry, said students and youths must be encouraged to build confidence in themselves.

“The young ones debating today need to be encouraged to build their confidence to speak publicly.

“Once they have that courage, they will overcome stage fright and be able to challenge situations.

“They will be able to challenge the status quo and that is the way to take over leadership from the older ones,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the end of the debate, Stella Maris College, Abuja, took the first position, while Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja placed second.

The third position went to Government Day Secondary School, Wuse II Abuja.

Miss Eyimofe Immanuel of Stella Maris College won the overall best speaker at the debate.

Immanuel, while speaking to NAN expressed gratitude to God and her family members for their support; her school and the organisers of the debate for giving her the platform to excel.

The theme of the 2022 World Food Day is: “Leave no one behind, better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better Life.’’