Amidst food insecurity in Nigeria, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on State Governments to place more priority on agricultural development. Obasanjo stated that until Nigeria can feed itself, it will continue to be a nation sitting on a time bomb of food insecurity.
The former President made the disclosure while receiving in audience a delegation of Commissioners and Special Advisers from Niger State that paid him a courtesy visit in Abeokuta over the weekend.
Addressing the delegation, Obasanjo said with modern agricultural equipment now available, the impact of agricultural initiatives can be greater than the projects of the past.
The delegates used the occasion of the visit to tour the cutting-edge soulless farm where youths from Niger State were undergoing training. The youths were being trained in innovative agricultural techniques for eventual replication in Niger State.
Obasanjo also applauded the Niger State Governor’s effort in transforming the agricultural sector in his State. He added that Governor Umaru Bago’s agricultural initiatives can be likened to his own ‘Operation Feed the Nation” policy of 1976.
According to the former President, agricultural self-sufficiency can move Nigeria from the state it is currently in and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people. He, therefore, called on other State Governors to follow Niger State’s lead in agricultural development. And ensure that Nigeria can produce the majority of its food.
Obasanjo therefore, encouraged Niger State to continue investing in agriculture and explore modern methods to enhance existing practices. He, however, expressed his intention to visit Niger State with his team to learn from their progress. He stated that the exchange of ideas will improve and add value to his agricultural endeavours.
The former President also advised Nigerians to consider investing in soilless farming. He emphasized that innovative farming techniques are essential to sustaining the nation’s agricultural productivity.
source: The Nation
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