Nigeria: A nation that cannot feed itself is sitting on a time bomb – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria’s future is uncertain without substantial investment in agriculture. Speaking in Abeokuta, he stressed that a nation that cannot feed itself is at risk. Obasanjo praised Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his innovative approach and urged all levels of government and individuals to invest in agriculture.
He emphasized the importance of modern techniques, including soilless farming, to address potential land shortages. Obasanjo likened current efforts to his “Operation Feed the Nation” from 1976 and encouraged other governors to follow Niger State’s example. He plans to visit Niger State to learn from their progress. Hauwa Bako from the delegation thanked Obasanjo and reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to agricultural advancement.
Source: Vanguard
Our Review
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advocacy for agricultural investment underscores its critical role in Nigeria’s future prosperity and food security. His emphasis on self-sufficiency highlights the nation’s vulnerability without a robust agricultural sector, echoing concerns about potential social unrest arising from food insecurity.
Obasanjo’s endorsement of soilless farming and modern agricultural techniques aligns with global trends towards sustainable farming practices. These methods not only maximize land use efficiency but also mitigate environmental impact, crucial for Nigeria’s agricultural sustainability amid land scarcity.
For agribusiness decisions, Obasanjo’s call prompts policymakers and investors to prioritize agricultural innovations and infrastructure development. Embracing modern farming technologies, as exemplified by Niger State’s initiatives, can enhance productivity and economic growth across the agricultural value chain. The visit to a soilless farm signifies a shift towards technology-driven agriculture, vital for attracting youth participation and improving agricultural efficiency nationwide.
