Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged state governments to prioritize agricultural development, warning that Nigeria's inability to feed itself poses a significant risk to the nation. He made these remarks during a weekend visit to Abeokuta by a delegation of Commissioners and Special Advisers from Niger State.
Obasanjo highlighted that with the availability of modern agricultural equipment, the impact of current agricultural initiatives could surpass those of past efforts. During the visit, the delegation toured a state-of-the-art soilless farm where youths from Niger State are being trained in innovative agricultural techniques for future implementation back home.
The former president praised Niger State Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts to transform the state's agricultural sector, comparing Bago's initiatives to his own "Operation Feed the Nation" policy of 1976. Obasanjo emphasized that achieving agricultural self-sufficiency could elevate Nigeria's current status and significantly improve the socio-economic well-being of its people. He called on other state governors to follow Niger State's example to ensure that Nigeria can produce the majority of its own food.
Obasanjo encouraged Niger State to continue investing in agriculture and to explore modern methods to enhance existing practices. He expressed his intention to visit Niger State with his team to learn from their progress and exchange ideas to further advance his agricultural initiatives.
Additionally, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to consider investing in soilless farming, emphasizing that innovative farming techniques are crucial for sustaining the nation's agricultural productivity.
