All is now set for an epochal colloquium on food security in Nigeria as an association of Muslim professionals, The Companion National convenes its 4th National Discourse where the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo will deliver a keynote speech in Lagos tomorrow, Sunday, July 14.
The theme of the discourse scheduled to be chaired by the immediate past governor of the State of Osun, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola at the J F Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos is Food Security: Unleashing Nigeria’s Natural Potentials for Self-Sufficiency.
A renowned expert in Agricultural-Engineering and former University of Uyo Vice-Chancellor Prof Fola Lasisi, Prof Lateef Sanni of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Coordinator, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Femi Oke as well as an expert in Animal Production from the University of Ilorin, Dr Hameed Badmos, among others dignitaries to the event.
Speaking on the theme, “Food security: Unleashing Nigeria’s natural potential for self-sufficiency”, at a press briefing held in Lagos, the National Amir of the Soceity, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike said it is regrettable that Nigeria despite ranked as the highest producer of yam and cassava worldwide, is categorised as a food-insecure nation with heavy reliance on importation of grains, livestock products and fish.
“With a projected population of over 233 million by 2025, the concern for food security in the nearest future is palpable and calls for concern and immediate action by the populace and the government at all levels.”
According to Alhaji Sonaike, we’re focusing on food security for this year’s discourse because food undoubtedly is the most basic of all human survival needs and the starting chain of the economy as well as the base for daily life.
He said, “Food and agriculture by extension, he added, is also a fundamental pillar for economic growth and development as a nation can hardly achieve and sustain its economic growth without a strong agricultural base and the reasons are obvious.
“Nigeria has correctly identified food and agricultural production among others as one of the areas to focus on the growth and diversification of the economy. This has started to yield results to the extent that Nigeria has become the largest economy in Africa.
“Yet ironically, the country is still categorised as one of the few countries with high incidents of extreme poverty. This is paradoxical and calls for an expert investigation. In the light of these, we felt that experts should be called together to engage in a meaningful discourse to proffer solutions,” he said.
Alhaji Sonaike urged the federal government to take more drastic measures towards combating insecurity in the country, adding that incidents of community invasion, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, among others have become so rampant that lives and property are no longer safe.
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