When the food on the family table becomes a source of fear rather than nourishment, the entire nation has a problem that demands urgent attention. That is the compelling concern behind the forthcoming fifth edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, which will bring Nigeria’s food safety challenges under intense public scrutiny.
The virtual programme will hold on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm West Africa Time, under the theme, “Poison on the Plate: Confronting Nigeria’s Epidemic of Fake and Adulterated Food Items.”
ValidViewNetwork reports that Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, the current Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and former National President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, is a Distinguished Discussant at the fifth Monthly Global Discourse.
His confirmation adds considerable scientific and professional depth to a conversation expected to attract food safety experts, policymakers, regulators, food industry operators, consumer advocates, researchers, journalists and concerned citizens.
A NATIONAL CONCERN THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED
ValidViewNetwork reports that Nigeria’s food safety challenges have become a matter of growing public concern. Reports and videos of fake, adulterated, contaminated and potentially harmful food products raise serious questions about consumer protection, regulatory effectiveness and public confidence in the food supply.
The challenge extends across the food chain, from agricultural production and processing to storage, transportation, distribution and consumption.
For Nigerians living abroad, the issue remains relevant. Many maintain family connections in Nigeria, support households, invest in food businesses or purchase Nigerian food products for consumption. Food safety standards also affect the confidence of international consumers in Nigerian agricultural exports.
The forthcoming discourse will therefore address an issue that transcends geography, profession, age and social status.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the programme seeks to move the conversation beyond public anxiety towards evidence, practical solutions and shared responsibility.
WHY NIGERIANS AT HOME AND ABROAD SHOULD ATTEND
For Nigerians living in the country, the programme offers an opportunity to understand the risks associated with unsafe food, recognise the importance of proper food handling and preservation, and learn what consumers can do when they suspect adulteration.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, it provides an opportunity to remain informed about food safety challenges affecting families, communities, businesses , the national food system and know what to look out for when they order food items from Nigeria.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities of food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, regulatory agencies and consumers. They will also have an opportunity to consider how stronger standards, better public education and effective enforcement can improve confidence in the food supply.
The programme is expected to explore practical questions surrounding food quality, preservation, storage, contamination prevention, consumer awareness, regulatory oversight and accountability.
It will also examine the importance of distinguishing scientifically established risks from unverified claims that may unnecessarily create panic.
The organisers expect this exchange to make the programme informative, engaging and relevant to everyday life.
While Prof. Sanni will provide invaluable insights into the scientific and technical dimensions of food safety, including food processing, preservation, quality assurance and post harvest management, another Distinguished Discussant will bring a complementary perspective on regulatory oversight, consumer protection, market surveillance and enforcement. This dual perspective is designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical action, examining not only how fake and adulterated food enters the market but also how consumers can be protected, offenders held accountable and food safety standards effectively enforced. Together, the discussants will help deepen public understanding of the challenge and explore practical pathways towards safeguarding Nigerians from the dangers of poisonous food.
FOURTH EDITION EXAMINED NIGERIA’S EDUCATIONAL FUTURE
The fifth edition follows the fourth ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse, held on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The fourth edition examined the theme, “The Lost Promise of 6 3 3 4: Can Nigeria Still Recover Its Technological Vision?”
The programme featured Emeritus Professor Michael Abiola Omolewa OON and Chief Tola Adeniyi, who brought their perspectives to a discussion of Nigeria’s educational direction, technical education, practical skills, teacher dignity, indigenous languages and national development.
The event reflected ValidViewNetwork’s commitment to examining important national questions through informed discussion and public engagement.
The fifth edition continues that tradition, shifting attention from education to food safety, public health protection and the integrity of the food supply.
THE VISION BEHIND THE MONTHLY GLOBAL DISCOURSE
The Monthly Global Discourse is an initiative of ValidViewNetwork, founded by Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FHEA, FFAN, an academic, environmental researcher, public affairs analyst, nature conservation advocate and media entrepreneur.
Through ValidViewNetwork, Ogunjobi has built a platform focused on credible information, public enlightenment, responsible advocacy and meaningful conversations on issues affecting society.
ValidViewNetwork operates around the broad pillars of Consultancy, Media and Advocacy, with a commitment to connecting credible knowledge with public engagement.
Lanre Ogundipe, serves as the Chairman of the ValidViewNetwork Advisory Council. He is a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the African Union of Journalists, Ogundipe brings decades of journalism and public affairs experience to the organisation. His involvement reinforces ValidViewNetwork’s commitment to credible journalism, informed debate and responsible public engagement.
ALL STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO PARTICIPATE
ValidViewNetwork is calling on Nigerians at home and abroad to participate in the forthcoming discourse and encourage others to attend.
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Farmers, food processors, manufacturers, importers, distributors, market associations, retailers, regulators, health professionals, nutritionists, researchers, policymakers, consumer advocates, journalists, students, parents and community leaders are particularly encouraged to join.
Anyone who recognises the seriousness of unsafe food and its potential consequences for Nigerian households has a reason to attend.
The organisers believe that food safety cannot be left to regulatory agencies alone. It requires responsible production, appropriate handling, effective oversight, informed purchasing decisions and an active citizenry willing to demand accountability.
Participation will help broaden public understanding and encourage conversations that can continue beyond the event.
THE FOOD ON OUR PLATES CONCERNS EVERYONE
The forthcoming ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse promises an important opportunity to examine the threats posed by fake and adulterated food and explore practical ways to strengthen consumer protection.
With Prof. Lateef Sanni confirmed as a Distinguished Discussant, expectations are high that the conversation will provide valuable scientific insight and stimulate meaningful public engagement.
The ultimate objective is not to create fear about every food item Nigerians consume. It is to promote informed vigilance, responsible practices, credible information and stronger safeguards against unsafe products.
A plate should nourish, not endanger. A market should inspire confidence, not suspicion. And every Nigerian deserves access to food that meets appropriate safety standards.
On Sunday, October 25, Nigerians everywhere are encouraged to join the conversation, ask questions, share their concerns and invite others to participate using the link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82272813503?pwd=PzcDTGM7Ay4CZV85LW9oU6DrpAxL8k.1
Let us come together to confront poison on the plate, strengthen food safety awareness and work towards a safer food system for Nigeria.
ValidViewNetwork reports that protecting the Nigerian consumer begins with informed citizens, responsible producers, effective institutions and a collective determination to ensure that the food on our plates supports life rather than threatens it.
