Professor Foluke Eunice Sola-Ojo from the University of Ilorin has emphasized the critical role of genetic diversity and collaboration in achieving food security through livestock production in Nigeria. She stressed that conserving farm animal genetic resources should extend beyond academia, calling for effective preservation efforts to sustain animal protein production for Nigeria’s growing population.
Prof. Sola-Ojo underscored the need for accurate livestock data and controlled usage to safeguard genetic material for future generations. She noted that genetic diversity not only enables the selection of high-performing genotypes but also supports adaptive breeding objectives and boosts production efficiency.
Welcoming the establishment of Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development, Prof. Sola-Ojo expressed optimism that the ministry would introduce policies focused on preserving genetic material and establishing a comprehensive data bank. This, she believes, will help address issues like low productivity, limited genetic diversity, and unsustainable breeding practices in the country.
Her research specializes in the genetic diversity, performance, and conservation of Nigeria’s indigenous poultry, aligning closely with her advocacy for sustainable livestock practices and food security initiatives.
