An electrifying atmosphere filled the Faculty Auditorium of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, as Dr. Ogechukwu Umeh, an Ideato-born academic in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, delivered a thought-provoking lecture that reignited pride in indigenous crops and traditional foods of Southeastern Nigeria. Her presentation, part of the Faculty of Agriculture’s 11th Lecture Series and the third in its “Young Geniuses” category, was titled “Improving Underutilized Indigenous Crops in South Eastern Nigeria: A Panacea to Food Security.”
Dr. Umeh defined underutilized indigenous crops as those with untapped potential in enhancing food security, improving health, supporting income generation, and promoting environmental sustainability. She called on the Igbo people to return to their dietary roots, making a strong case for the nutritional and medicinal superiority of traditional crops. Her recommendations included establishing indigenous food restaurants and agricultural gardens in universities and homes across the region, as well as enacting policies mandating the serving of local delicacies at academic events.
Drawing from her research, Dr. Umeh spotlighted several underutilized crops such as pumpkin (ugboguru), bitter kola (aki ilu), scent leaf (nchuanwu), African bitter yam (ona), palm wine (mmanyi nkwu), and kidney beans (odudu). She asserted that these foods not only have higher nutritional value but also possess disease-preventing and climate-resilient qualities. Notably, she revealed that pumpkin could help prevent and treat prostate issues, while bitter kola was a proven anti-cancer agent.
While passionately championing these traditional treasures, Dr. Umeh acknowledged the challenges hindering their acceptance, including policy gaps, market limitations, consumer apathy, and the influence of westernization and religious beliefs. She proposed a multifaceted strategy involving grassroots promotion, community awareness, farmer training, better seed access, and value addition through modern processing. She emphasized the role of Agricultural Extension Officers in leading these efforts at the family and community levels.
The lecture drew high praise from university leadership and academic stakeholders. Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Cordelia Ebenebe, emphasized the importance of the Young Geniuses Series in promoting innovation among rising scholars. Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Gabriel Ihejirika, urged the Southeast to leverage local resources in tackling food insecurity. Representing the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Angela Ufele-Obiesie applauded the Faculty’s strides in agricultural development, while Prof. Charles Ishiwu delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, hailing Dr. Umeh for her impactful scholarship.
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