… LASCOPA, Ojokoro LCDA Chair, FIIRO, NAFRC, and industry leaders grace grand exhibition
…Spectra Industries Calls for Innovation to Strengthen Nigeria’s Food Security
…Says innovation is key to improving nutrition, reducing food waste and tackling child malnutrition
Written By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
Spectra Industries Limited, on Friday, October 16, 2026, hosted a vibrant and impactful celebration of World Food Day 2026, bringing together a host of high-profile dignitaries, exhibitors, buyers, and students to champion the theme: “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”
The event, held at the company’s facility, spoke volumes to the global theme Innovation Today, Nourish Tomorrow, focusing on the critical role of innovation in food processing, the empowerment of Nigerian MSMEs, and the urgent need for sustainable food security.
Opening prayer by Mrs. Cecilia Spectra Industries Limited.
Spectra Industries Limited called for increased innovation and collaboration across Nigeria’s food value chain to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable food production.
The company made the call as part of its message commemorating World Food Day, celebrated under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Mr. Obimkpa Chamberlain, HR of Spectra Industries Limited, stressed the need for stakeholders in the food industry to look beyond increasing food production and focus on delivering safer, more nutritious, affordable and accessible food to consumers.
He noted that innovation should play a central role in sourcing raw materials, food processing, waste reduction, technological advancement and the distribution of food products.
According to him, innovation goes beyond developing new products to creating practical food solutions that improve lives, support local agriculture, generate employment and make nutritious food available to more households.
Chamberlain highlighted the need to address child malnutrition, citing Spectra Industries Limited’s Eko Baby Chop-Up as one of the company’s products dedicated to tackling malnutrition among children.
He also underscored Nigeria’s potential to build a stronger food system, noting that the country has the farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, young innovators and natural resources required to advance sustainable food production.
However, he emphasised that achieving this objective would require stronger collaboration among government institutions, private-sector operators, academic institutions, farmers, development organisations and local communities.
The Spectra Industries executive further called for sustained investment in innovation across the food value chain, stressing that efforts to improve food security must extend beyond laboratories and factories to every stage of food production, processing and distribution.
He explained that embracing innovation could help reduce food waste, improve nutritional outcomes, strengthen food security, empower farmers and create employment opportunities while ensuring that future generations have access to safe and nutritious food.
Reflecting on the significance of World Food Day, Chamberlain said the food produced today would have a lasting impact on the health and prosperity of future generations.
He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation and collaboration as essential tools for building a healthier and food-secure Nigeria.
“Let us innovate, collaborate and nourish together to build a food-secure and healthier Nigeria,” he said.
In his address, the Managing Director/CEO of Spectra Industries, Chief Duro Kuteyi, underscored the company’s unyielding commitment to quality and innovation. He reiterated that Spectra’s core mandate is not just manufacturing, but ensuring that Nigerians have access to nourishing, affordable, and locally produced food items.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Mr. Lucas Raheem, Director of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), emphasised the vital intersection between consumer protection and food safety. He commended Spectra Industries for maintaining high standards and for providing a platform that educates consumers on making healthy dietary choices.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Barr. Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, lauded the initiative. She took time to visit all the exhibition stands, engaging directly with food product manufacturers and MSMEs to understand their processes and celebrate their contributions to the local economy.
Driving Policy and Research
The event also served as a nexus for policy and research. Mr. Timothy Ajayi, who represented the Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), delivered a keynote address highlighting the indispensable role of research and technology in driving food processing forward.
In his address, Mr. Ajayi highlighted FIIRO’s commitment to food safety and quality, noting the institute’s operational philosophy: “As the UN Secretary-General reminded us, nearly 2.7 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, and 645 million face hunger. The answer FAO gives us this year is innovation—not just high-tech, but also traditional knowledge, policy, entrepreneurship, and community action.”
He emphasised FIIRO’s practical approach over its 70-year history, stating: “We have developed over 250 technologies that turn our abundant raw materials cassava, sorghum, millet, tomato, soybean into shelf-stable, nutritious foods. This includes high-nutrient biscuits for school-age children, fibre-enriched bread, and therapeutic foods to combat severe malnutrition.”
He further charged participants to take action, concluding with a three-pronged strategy: “First, leverage science, data, and even AI to reduce food waste and improve nutrition. Second, strengthen partnership government, research institutes, universities, private sector, and development partners. Third, invest in our women farmers and youth innovators.”
The venue was filled with dignitaries, exhibitors, and buyers, reflecting the broad support for the initiative.
A Convergence of High-Net-Worth Personalities
Among the high-net-worth personalities and distinguished guests present were:
Lt. Col. OA Olawuyi — Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos
Dr. Ayoade Omisade — MD/CEO, FINCAP
Mr. Olatunde Agoro — Retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, and CEO of Green House Farming, Badagry
Dr. Lawal-Solarin Esther — Alimosho Agege Ifako Ijaiye Ojokoro (AAIIO) Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture
Mr. Akinrinade Akin JP — Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Security and Events
Mrs. Ayinde Balogun — Representing the Permanent Secretary, Lands and Bureau, Lagos State
Miss Abiola and her team from FirstBank Agege, who hosted an exhibition stand
Mr. Adeyemo Adesola A — National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)
Mr. Adeniyi Alameen — Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
Alhaja Bolarinwa Zulaikha Iyabode — MD/CEO, Naturepath Therapeutic Center and Services, who provided free health tests for participants using her equipment
Hon. Adeyemi Babasola — Deputy Leader, Ojokoro Legislative Arm
Hon. Bosun Fasasi — Ojokoro Majority Leader
Hon. Segun Jolaosho — Chief Whip
Mr. Ademola Oloko — MD/CEO, Dambols Foods
Empowering the Next Generation
Highlighting the importance of youth engagement in the food value chain, three schools participated in a quiz competition as part of the event’s educational outreach. They were: Unity Senior Secondary College, Alimosho, Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Vetland Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye.
Closing Remarks
Delivering the closing remarks, Mrs. Remi Kuteyi, Executive Director of Spectra Industries, expressed profound gratitude to all the dignitaries, partners, and exhibitors for their unwavering support. She reiterated the company’s dedication to sustaining the momentum generated by the event, emphasizing that the conversations and partnerships forged would continue to drive the local food processing industry forward.
Why It Matters
World Food Day 2026 was not just a calendar event for Spectra Industries; it was a practical demonstration of the intersection between policy, industry, and the everyday consumer.
The presence of regulatory bodies like LASCOPA, research institutions like FIIRO, and government representatives from the local, state, and federal levels underscores a growing recognition: achieving food security in Nigeria requires a unified approach. It is not just about planting crops; it is about processing them safely, packaging them sustainably, and making them affordable for the average family.
Food Safety and Consumer Protection: LASCOPA’s involvement highlights the critical need to protect consumers from adulterated or expired products. As consumers become more discerning, platforms like this offer a way to build trust between manufacturers and the public.
MSME Empowerment: The exhibition of food products by Nigerian MSMEs aligns with broader economic goals. Spectra Industries’ focus on local processing equipment and food products highlights a shift towards import substitution and the development of local capacity. The participation of financial institutions like FirstBank signals the availability of capital for these growing businesses.
The Role of Research and Innovation: FIIRO’s presence reinforces the necessity of integrating science and technology into food production. It is only through continuous research that Nigeria can develop post-harvest loss reduction strategies and create nutritious, shelf-stable foods. As noted in the keynote address, embracing AI and traditional knowledge is key.
Youth Engagement: By including secondary schools in the programme, Spectra Industries is sowing seeds for the future. Exposing young minds to careers in agriculture, food science, and enterprise is crucial for sustainability.
For Spectra Industries, the event proved that the company’s commitment to nourishing the nation extends beyond its production lines. By convening the ecosystem from regulators to farmers, financiers to students the company has positioned itself as a key driver of Nigeria’s food security agenda. Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow. A promise that, if kept, will secure the nation’s future.
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