The Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, University of Ibadan, celebrated the year 2022 Africa Day in grand style, on Wednesday, with pump and pageantry.
Both staff and students of the institute, donning colourful ‘adire’ attire, trooped out enmasse in celebration of the continent with singing and dancing. They were flanked with flags of different African countries as they basked in the euphoria of the essence of the day and the spirit of unity to move the continent to greatness.
To the excitement of members of the public, the students of the institute distributed soaps which were produced during their entrepreneurship programme.
In her address on the occasion, Prof. Titilayo Akinlabi, the Director of PAULESI, tasked African students on the need to proffer solutions to the challenge of malnutrition in the continent.
Akinlabi, who said it was a great joy for her to welcome attendees to the occasion, added, “It is a time to reflect on the progress that Africa has made, while also coming together to find solutions to the challenges that we face on the continent.”
Dwelling on the theme of the occasion, ‘The Year of Nutrition,’ she stated that “The African Union has made substantial efforts in prioritizing and investing in nutrition both at the continental and national levels. One of these recent efforts is the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and Nutrition International towards a shared vision to end hunger, poverty and malnutrition in Africa.
“Malnutrition is an urgent problem imposing a serious threat on the hopes and dreams of millions of people in Africa. Nutrition must be prioritized to enable Africa to combat and curb the growing peril of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate, and build a strong and resilient future for Africa.”
Describing the students of the institute as the hope of Africa, she said, “It is expected of you to contribute your quota to the development of the continent. This is in line with the mission of PAU which is geared towards ushering in a new generation of leaders well trained to tackle and take the best advantage of African human and material resources, imbued with the common vision of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.
“As an institute, we continue to contribute our quota to the Africa We Want by conducting cutting edge research in Environment and Plant Breeding which speaks to the theme of this Year’s Africa Day. The Institute encouraged and welcomed ideas from her students on some of the solutions that could help curb the menace of malnutrition in their countries. Thirteen students sent in their ideas. Also, as we celebrate the Africa Day, the Institute is having a hands on training on making smoothie and juices which are considered as healthy drinks by Nutritionists in line with the Entrepreneurship curriculum of the institute.
“This is third in the series in this academic year following the Tie and Dye and Soap making activities recently conducted at the Institute. The product of the Soap making produced on 18th May were distributed to the general public this morning (Wednesday).”
She urged the students and Africans at large to make use of all resources available at their disposal to make the continent great.
Noting that the theme of the Africa Day was in line with the AU Agenda 2063, ASPIRATION 1, bothering on a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, she stated that “We are hopeful and looking forward to a continent that is healthy and well-nourished in all spheres.”
The don listed the sponsors of the Africa Day celebration to include First Bank Nigeria Limited, Proprietor of Olatunde Runsewe Hall, Proprietor of Akande Hall and Sumal Foods, Ibadan.
The rich and diverse culture of Africa was showcased through meal exhibition, quizzes, singing, dancing, fashion show, drama, traditional drumming, and more.
Specifically, traditional dances from African regions, smoothies making, local meal exhibition, presentation of certificates and gifts to winners of online challenge, among others, were featured.
In the keenly contested fashion show, Michael Nelson from West Africa emerged as Mr PAULESI while Charity Moses of Southern Africa emerged as Miss PAULESI.
A postgraduate student from Lesotho, Mampupi Mohoase, said that “The event taught me that as Africans, we are good people and if we are united we will take Africa to a higher place.”
