The former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Nigerian general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has pointed out the critical role that agricultural research plays in the fight against poverty and hunger.
Mr. Obi expressed this during his historic visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Ibadan. Along with him on the tour were prominent individuals like Dr. Moses Paul, Mrs. Aisha Yusufu, and Mr. Dele Farotimi.
Mr. Obi, who was also People’s Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, praised the organization’s work in promoting sustainable farming methods and improving food security in Nigeria.
As a well-known organisation that is devoted to agricultural research, IITA actively works with regional farmers and stakeholders to apply cutting-edge and sustainable farming techniques. And Mr. Obi learned during the tour how IITA’s research findings are embraced and shared to promote advancements in the agricultural sector—a crucial facet of the Nigerian economy.
Mr. Obi did, however, voice alarm about Nigeria’s disregard for agriculture and stressed the need for a deliberate effort to move the agricultural sector’s focus from consumption to production in order to alleviate food insecurity. The intensity of hunger in Nigeria is confirmed by its placement of 109th out of 125 nations in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. The current food inflation rate at 33% further underscores the urgency of addressing the issue.
Appreciating IITA’s significant contributions to agricultural productivity, Mr. Obi commended the organization for its role in ensuring higher agricultural yields. He highlighted the need to tap into the vast uncultivated lands in the North, leveraging organizations like IITA to transform them into productive agricultural assets for the nation’s benefit.
Clearly, Mr. Obi’s vision aligns with the vision of a New Nigeria – one in which where food security is prioritized, hunger is eradicated, and inflation is addressed through a robust agricultural revolution. Nevertheless, as Nigeria grapples with challenges in the agricultural sector, Mr. Obi’s visit to IITA may ignite a renewed commitment to exploring the untapped resources and leveraging Research and Development capabilities to drive sustainable growth in in the agricultural landscape.
Stay tuned to Atlantic Post for further coverage of Mr. Peter Obi’s initiatives and insights as he continues to advocate for transformative measures in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
