In a call to action for food sufficiency, former governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has urged Nigerians to return to farming. He emphasised the need for increased food production to combat hunger in the nation.
Senator Daniel also affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolute commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector to bolster food security in Nigeria. He made these remarks during the commencement of a training programme for rice farmers at the Asoludero Court, Sagamu, Ogun State.
During the event, approximately 100 participants received free rice seedlings and fertilisers, underscoring the government’s dedication to empowering local farmers.
Senator Daniel applauded the country’s immense potential in rice cultivation and production. He lamented the nation’s shift away from agriculture as the cornerstone of the economy and urged citizens to reignite their interest in farming to meet both domestic and international demands, as well as to generate foreign exchange.
He implored Nigerians to support the present administration in its efforts to address the nation’s challenges and improve the well-being of its citizens.
“God has been so good to us in Nigeria. We have a lot of potentials. Before the advent of oil, agriculture was the mainstay of our economy. But somehow, we neglected agriculture which have greater prospects with the land we have in abundance.
“I want to plead with us that it is time to return to farming. After this programme, we expect you to plant these seedlings and become successful rice farmers. Let us begin to grow rice and make Nigeria become one of the rice-producing countries in the world,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Productivity Centre, Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha, likened rice production to the “new oil” for the nation’s economy. He urged the training participants to reciprocate the organisers’ support.
