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Professor Tayo Popoola Calls for Government Action on Cassava Bread and Space Research at 13th Lagos PR Stakeholders Conference

LAGOS, NIGERIA – August 20, 2026

A University of Lagos professor has warned that the planned establishment of grazing colonies in southern Nigeria would worsen unemployment and food scarcity, proposing instead a technologically-driven approach in the northern region.

Professor Tayo Popoola, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG, delivered the warning on Thursday while presenting a paper titled “Communication, Leadership and Innovation for Sustainable Community Transformation in Nigeria” at the 13th Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders Conference held at Muson Centre, Onikan .

Speaking to an audience of public relations professionals, policymakers, and business leaders, Popoola faulted the current trajectory of the federal government’s livestock management policy . He suggested the establishment of a Grazing Commission that would liaise with northern states along Rivers Niger and Benue, where grazing colonies would be established and irrigated during the dry season using modern technology .

“Siting colonies in the south would rather worsen the unemployment situation in the south just as it would also bring about scarcity of foodstuff, increase in crime rate, famine of unimaginable proportions amongst others,” Popoola stated .

Drawing from historical examples of effective leadership communication, the UNILAG don cited former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere’s Ujamaa policy and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Zikism philosophy as models where leaders successfully mobilised citizens through clear communication and self-reliance ideals . He argued that leaders must serve as “Chief Public Relations Officers” who share ideas and direction with the people .

“Show the light and the people will find the way,” Popoola quoted Azikiwe, adding that communication through the press has been a pillar of democracy since Roman times .

Innovation for Sustainable Transformation

The professor expressed concern that despite nearly 66 years of nationhood, Nigeria has failed to capitalise on indigenous research breakthroughs that could drive sustainable community transformation .

He cited the over-a-decade-old research on cassava flour for bread production as a prime example of government inaction. According to Popoola, Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer, yet continues to import wheat for bread production .

Quoting former FIIRO Director-General Professor Gloria Elemo, Popoola noted that “High Quality Cassava Flour has been found suitable for partial substitution of wheat flour in bread making,” adding that adoption would reduce bread costs and save foreign exchange . Initial concerns that cassava bread could cause diabetes were debunked by research showing cassava has an even lower glycemic index .

In the realm of space technology, Popoola highlighted ongoing research at Nigerian universities including Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and University of Lagos. He lamented that these efforts continue with minimal government support .

The conference, hosted by the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in collaboration with Addefort Nigeria, brought together stakeholders to examine how strategic communication and innovation can drive sustainable national development . Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered the maiden Leadership Talk at the event, identifying vision, integrity, investment in the next generation, and innovation as key pillars of exemplary leadership .