Encouragement for Nigerians to focus on agriculture as a means to improve their livelihoods has been echoed by a former lawmaker and an agricultural expert.
This call stems from the current economic challenges and food shortages plaguing the country.
Concerns have been raised by many farmers regarding the disparity between high food prices in the market and the substantial federal budget allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security over the past three years.
The devaluation of the naira has also been highlighted as a significant contributing factor to the unaffordability of food items.
In a statement to Sunday, agropreneur Timothy Ayodele emphasized the transformative potential of agriculture on Nigeria’s economy.
Ayodele stressed the importance of individuals engaging in agriculture, whether through personal gardens, community projects, or sustainable practices, as a path to self-reliance and financial security.
He emphasized the benefits of investing in local farming and community-supported agriculture, such as fresh produce, job creation, and economic resilience.
Ayodele urged Nigerians to take the initiative in agriculture rather than solely depending on government support.
Furthermore, he called on the Federal Government to utilize agriculture as a catalyst for economic recovery by empowering the youth and enhancing essential infrastructure.
Similarly, former deputy chief whip of Osun State House of Assembly, Abidemi Ogunkanmi, emphasized the importance of farming, especially for the youth, as a sustainable solution to alleviate economic hardships.
With escalating food prices, Ogunkanmi advocated for widespread adoption of farming practices to aid in Nigeria’s economic revival.
These sentiments were expressed during a students’ parliamentary summit organized by the Students’ Representative Council, Federation of Ayedire Students’ Union.