Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, believes that making a significant investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and improving production can help lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
During his recent visit to Kebbi State, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party expressed his confidence in the sector’s potential to boost the Nigerian economy.
Obi stressed the importance of the Kebbi State government and stakeholders focusing on agricultural investments.
He pointed out the vast agricultural lands in Kebbi and the entire North West geopolitical zone, comparing it to Ukraine, which recently supplied grains to Nigeria despite having a smaller cultivated land area.
Obi emphasized that investing in agriculture is crucial for Nigeria’s future, as it can help address issues like insecurity, poverty, inflation, and food scarcity.
He called on the Federal Government to prioritize agriculture over oil, noting that Nigeria has the largest expanse of uncultivated land globally, mostly in the northern part of the country.
“With effective agriculture production, the sector has the capacity to take millions of Nigerians out of poverty and address the problems of insecurity in the country.
“In addition, agriculture is the basic foundation for attaining food security, eliminating hunger, and also serving as a foreign exchange earner to stabilize any economy,” Obi stated.
The politician lauded Kebbi State as an agricultural hub with the capacity to feed the nation through increased production.
“I am on a private visit to Kebbi State, as I have already visited Nasarawa, Niger, and Sokoto States to be part of the Ramadan breakfast with our fellow Muslims and identify areas of need where I can assist,” He added.
During a recent visit, Obi provided Ramadan breakfast to 100 Muslim faithful and inaugurated a solar-powered borehole at Hutawa Fulani settlement.
He also met with the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Illiyasu Bashar, and had a discussion with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
Governor Idris highlighted his administration’s focus on investing in human capacity and agriculture to drive economic growth.
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Illiyasu Bashar, urged Nigerian leaders to consider Obi’s insights and recommendations.
During a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace in Birnin Kebbi, the Emir expressed gratitude for Obi’s visit during Ramadan and recalled knowing him since 1966 in Enugu. He recognized the value of Obi’s perspective on Nigeria’s challenges.
“I was not surprised that you are going around the country to tell us what we should do to make Nigeria a great country. We have heard about what you are talking about in our country, and it is high time we take note of that.
“Our leaders should take note of what you are telling us on how to make our country prosperous.
“You are telling us how we have large areas of land and young men who are capable, strong enough, and educated enough to make Nigeria a great nation,” the Emir was quoted by the Daily Post as saying.