The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has voiced concern about Nigeria’s food security, linking it to the prevailing insecurity in the country. Archbishop Ugorji, during the launch of an agriculture training and empowerment workshop in Aboh Mbaise, emphasized the impact of insecurity on farmers’ ability to cultivate their land, leading to decreased food production and worsening hunger. He urged the government to address insecurity promptly to prevent a potential crisis. Ugorji commended Rev. Fr. Pius Ibeawuchi and Mr. Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie for promoting agricultural development, advocating for a shift from subsistence to commercial farming to alleviate food scarcity and reduce market prices. Amuchie emphasized the importance of prioritizing agriculture to mitigate the high cost of food items, expressing concern over the waning interest in farming among Imo citizens. He pledged to ensure that the benefits of agricultural initiatives reach every family in Aboh Mbaise, aiming for long-term food sufficiency. Rev. Fr. Pius Ibeawuchi, the workshop’s organizer, expressed satisfaction with the participation and readiness of over 250 attendees to apply their newfound knowledge in the upcoming farming season. The collaborative efforts underscore the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Source- Vanguard
OUR REVIEW The concerns raised by Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, regarding Nigeria’s food security are crucial. Insecurity negatively impacts farmers’ ability to cultivate land, exacerbating food scarcity and hunger. Urgent government intervention is needed to address these challenges and prevent a potential crisis. Initiatives like the agriculture training workshop in Aboh Mbaise, spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Pius Ibeawuchi and Mr. Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, highlight the importance of shifting towards commercial farming to improve food availability and reduce market prices. Prioritizing agriculture is essential for mitigating the high cost of food items and ensuring long-term food sufficiency. The active involvement of community leaders and participants underscores the significance of grassroots-driven efforts in tackling food security issues and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
