By Genesis ogiri, Abuja
The Soil Science Society of Nigeria,(SSSN) on Tuesday 30th July 2023 at Abuja, inducted Mrs. Imaobong Emem Edem as soil scientist, along side 22 others as (RSS) Registered Soil Scientists to ensure standard in the profession
The Registered Soil Scientists (RSS) is a membership category of NISS, the professional and regulatory body charged with responsibility to regulate the practice of Soil Science and promote sustainable soil management in Nigeria. The RSS are professionals from different fields of Soil Science and Agronomy and related fields found in academia, research and development, policy making at various institutions and organizations in Nigeria.
Tuesday Newsway Media reports that, RSS are charged with the responsibility of actualizing food sufficiency through quality soil management in Nigeria by achieving the thematic goals of the Institute which includes but not limited to promotion of sustainable management of soil resources, targeted soil research and development on identified gaps, soil data bank quality and information management, policy education, awareness and extension, priorities and synergies related to environmental and social issues, technical co-operations.
The Induction which took place at Maryam Babangida National Center For Women Development, Abuja. The ceremony had in participation members of the governing council with notable mentions in persons of Prof. B.A Raji, former President Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Prof. O.T Ade, prof. Hassan Mohammed, and Dr Elzo Jeroen Houising
Mrs.Imaobong Emem Edem, who spoke with the Newsmen shortly after she was inducted said, effective soil and crop nutrition management is needed in addressing issues of environmental quality and land degradation in combating food insecurity.
She maintained that to achieve and sustain food security ,availability, accessibility and affordability in the 21st Century can only be realised through proper soil and crop nutrition management backed by effective and implementable government policies
She advised the end users of the Soil to use the fertilizers and other manure recommended by the soil scientists to replenish and improve the condition of the Soil.
Imaobong, while speaking dwelling on the government actions in addressing and improving on the policy that will both beneficial to the soil scientists and the end users.
Government should consider urgently the critical need to upgrade the soil research laboratories in research institutes, colleges of agriculture and universities with state-of-the art equipment to facilitate capacity-building and enhance soil, crop nutrient and environmental quality assessment and monitoring.
As the event unfolded, it became evident that 48th Conference of the soil scientists Society of Nigeria was more than just a milestone; it was a testament to the SSSN readiness to offer sustainable solution to soil degradation and management to ensure food security in Nigeria and managing uncertainties and its ability to bring relevant Stakeholders together in joyous camaraderie. The overwhelming response from the participants, who left the event fulfilled and yearning for more, spoke volumes about the success of the ongoing program and the anticipation for future engagements.
