Don tasks FG on research, cultivation of mushrooms for Nigerians’ health benefits
OKITIPUPA (Sundiata Scholar) – Ondo State A Professor of Microbiology, Soji Fakoya, has urged the Federal Government to commit enough resources to research and cultivation of edible mushrooms for the health benefits of Nigerians.
Fakoya who specialises in Mycology, Industrial and Food Microbiology, gave this while delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa in Ondo State on Thursday.
reports that the inaugural lecture was entitled: “Mycological Marvels: Unlocking the Much-Rooms In The World of Mushrooms.”
Fakoya highlighted what he called the boundless potentials and multifaceted benefits of mushrooms in the areas of nutrition, medicines, industry, environmental substance and biotechnological innovation.
The don urged Nigerianns to cultivate the habit of eating edible mushrooms, stating that it was rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and bio-actives which promote health properties like anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and imuno-modulatory effects.
According to him, research has proven mushrooms to be indispensable allies and advantageous for contemporary challenges and ability to transform organs into valuable resources.
“Mushrooms are often overlooked but they are indeed nature’s quick alchemist, transforming ecosystems, inspiring innovative solutions and challenging our understanding of life itself,” he said.
Fakoya recommended consumption of edible mushrooms and their derivatives by individuals of different ages, saying it contributed to the advancement of strategic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said that government should explore the cultivation of mushrooms in large quantities through the establishment of Mycological Culture Collection Centre in OAUSTECH and other universities to serve as reference mycological research centres to document various fungi found in Nigeria.
“It becomes evident that fostering research and innovation in the utilisation of edible fungi will undoubtedly lead to substantial advancements in health industry and ecological balance.
“Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for research development through partnership with stakeholders and policy makers for improved fungi production.
“The Federal Government should also allocate funds to mycological researchers to enable them to showcase their findings on fungi,” Fakoya said.
In his remarks, OAUSTECH’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, commended Fakoya for x-raying the importance and health benefits embedded in mushrooms and other edible fungi which could served as other sources of revenue for government.
“The lecture is a good one and an eye-opener to the health benefits embedded in mushrooms and other edible fungi. This will fetch government another source of revenue if the recommendations are implemented,” he said. (NAN)
