I am delighted to welcome you all on behalf of the executives of NIFST East Central Chapter, to the 11th ReFoSTS of the Chapter. The Theme for this year ReFoSTS is “Food Science and Technology: A Panacea for National Development”,
1. BACKGROUND OF NIFST:
NIFST IN BRIEF:
NIFST was established in June 1976 as body representing food professionals drawn from Academia, Research, Industry and Government in Nigeria with a Mission Statement: “To harness the abundance of talent and knowledge amongst food professional in Nigeria toward food sufficiency and good nutrition for the masses”.
2. EAST CENTRAL CHAPTER OF NIFST IN BRIEF:
In March 2005, the NIFST East Central Chapter was carved out from NIFST South East Chapter and subsequently inaugurated. The new chapter began with Prof E.C. Okoli as the Pioneer Chairman. The chapter member states includes Anambra State, Enugu State and Ebonyi state. The chapter consists of six zones namely Abakaliki, Awka, Afikpo, Enugu, Nsukka and Onitsha zones.
I want to use this opportunity to thank the family of NIFST ECC for electing us to serve you. I shall strive with my team to serve you well. Be assured that by God’s grace and your support, we will not fail in any of our assigned duties. ReFoSTS is usually a special moment for Food Scientists and Technologists, where we brainstorm on the way forward. However, this year ReFoSTS theme is unique because it is a panacea for National Development which means that the engine that will drive this development must be in good condition. It is my sincere desire that at the end of this conference, we must be well informed and equipped for the task ahead. Let use this opportunity to engage, network and build bridges between ourselves and the participants.
It has been observed that a one-day ReFoSTS is not enough to harness the complete knowledge and vast experience we share among ourselves during these conferences. It is my opinion that under my administration, we will be able to organize a two-day ReFoSTS conference in subsequent years as we progress in East Central Chapter with the help of our supporting partners. We want to sincerely appreciate extremely the ReFoSTS 2025 awardees: (i) Dr. John Onuora and (ii) Dr. Ijeoma Nzelu for their steadfastness in keeping the flag flying and their robust participation while mentoring young NIFSTers. We also appreciate your motherly and fatherly roles respectively in NIFST and we pray that you do not relent whenever NIFST calls.
We also appreciate the chairman and members of the Local Organizing Committee, Sub-committees’ Chairmen and Chairladies, despite the short notice, they were able to do wonders with ReFoSTS 2025. We appreciate the Head of Department, Food Science and Technology, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu for her resourcefulness towards the ReFoSTS, 2025. We also appreciate Prof. Dozie Ogbodo, the Rector, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu for granting us access to host ReFoSTS 2025 in their International Conference Centre. May God reward you all abundantly.
We also appreciate our supporting partners who have been pivotal in some of the key areas of success recorded in various ReFoSTS programs. We will not fail to recognize; BLISCO Food and Beverages Limited, Nnewi, Gemstone Table Water, Umuoji, International Breweries, Onitsha, KP Food and Beverages, Ogidi, Chitis Foods, Enugu, Chief’s Palate Ltd etc.
May God continue to grant you all success in your various businesses and establishments. As we declare the conference open, let us all pay rapt attention as we learn and imbibe.
Finally, we will start the planning of ReFoSTS 2026 on time. Before the end of the day, we will announce the LOC Chair for ReFoSTS 2026.
Once again, you are all welcome to the coal city state.
Wishing everyone a wonderful ReFoSTS conference day in Enugu, the Coal City State of Nigeria.
APOSTLE PETER C. AGBATA FNIFST, CFSN
CHAPTER CHAIRMAN
NIFST ECC