The Body of Home Economics Professionals in Nigeria has been commended for its timely emphasis on the necessity of the  use of digital resources to  transmit piovtal home grown family products and skills  from one generation to another.

 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Eno Nta gave the commendation at the 13^th Annual Conference of the Home Economics Professional Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) held at the ASUU building, University of Calabar.

 

 

 

Speaking at the Conference which had “ Home Economics Fostering Digital Resources for National Development and Sustainability” as its theme, the Vice chancellor said it was time to employ  the digital resources platforms like the internet to showcase and sell delicious  african cuisines,  fabrics  and other unique african products to the wider world.

 

Prof Florence Obi recalled with nostalgia the glowing experience of a foremost “ Adire” maker in Nigeria who never profited from western education but was invited to the United States of America to share her skill, a move which earned her a’ chair’ in one of the Universities and National Merit Award in Nigeria, adding that her little effort was applauded at the larger stage.

 

She charged the Home Economics Professionals to sustain the good tradition of beautiful dishes, splendid fabrics, stately home decorations and excellent african packagings which the world is yearning to have, taste and possess.

 

In her welcome address, the President of HEPAN, Prof Nkiru Meludu represented by the Vice President, Associate Professor, Beatrice Oganah-Ikujenyo  said  “ there is need to join the world in the use of digital networks  and digitalize our activity for the sustainability of the family”.

 

 

The HEPAN President  stated that the revolution in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has helped business companies to potentially  reach their customers, introduce new products and services quickly and also collaborate with suppliers and business partners from all over the world.

 

She called on Home Economists to  make use of internet opportunities to achieve strategic  advantages and also facilitate the movement of goods and services from producers to customers to satisfy the family.

 

 

The Dean of the Faculty of Vocational and Science Education, Prof Cecilia Ekwueme in her opening remark said the essence of the conference was to collaborate and measure the extent of accomplishments and achievements in the use of digital resources for families and suggest the way forward

 

 

Prof Cecilia Ekwueme  expressed the optimism that with sound technology attainment, Home Economics will become a pivotall tool to achieve sustainable development goals through fostering utilization of digital resources.

 

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee  for the event, Dr Rose Udonwa commended participants for gracefully attending the event and said with their cooperation, HEPAN will fluorish in the years to come.

 

The event was marked with  presentations by the Keynote Speaker and Lead Paper Presenter , Prof Nkeiruka Nwabah and Prof Joy Obunadike as well as Health Talk by Prof Mary Mgbekem and  cultural display.