News in Brief:
– Chief Audu Ogbe has urged the government to tackle the high cost of farming inputs, insecurity, and poor roads.
– He warns that these issues are discouraging young Nigerians from pursuing careers in agriculture.
Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, has called on the government to urgently address the challenges hindering participation in agriculture in Nigeria.
Soaring cost of farming inputs, insecurity, and poor road infrastructure, he observed, are the persistent challenges making agriculture increasingly unattractive, especially for Nigerian youths.
Speaking as keynote speaker at a colloquium on agriculture and the launch of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Endowment Fund in Abuja, Chief Ogbe described the nation’s food crisis as a ‘disturbing issue’ that, if left unresolved, could fuel social vices.
“The high cost of farming inputs, insecurity and bad roads, among others, have made agriculture difficult for many. There is a need for the government to address these challenges to make agriculture more attractive, especially to youths,” Ogbe stressed.
The event marked the 21st anniversary of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on the throne and his 72nd birthday. It brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to discuss solutions for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Niger State’s Gov Bago donates to Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in his remarks, praised the Etsu Nupe for his enduring partnership with the state government and his efforts in mobilising traditional rulers to support agricultural initiatives.
He announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation Endowment Fund, reaffirming his belief in the wealth and prosperity inherent in agriculture. He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to revolutionising the sector and achieving food sovereignty.
Etsu Nupe Calls for Nigeria’s Agriculture Development
Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, explained that his foundation was established to give back to society, focusing on improving the lives of the less privileged at the grassroots. He emphasised the importance of bringing agriculture to the forefront of public dialogue to drive sustainable socio-economic development.
Adding his voice to the call for development in Nigeria’s agric sector, the paramount ruler of the Nupe kingdom appealed to the Federal Government to revive the Baro Inland Port, a major transportation hub for northern agriculture. The hub had been largely non-operational due to issues with access roads, rail connectivity, and an effective operational framework.
Alhaji Abubakar explained that the town has a huge tourism potential that would be of benefit to the government’s revenue drive. “So let us pay more attention and fully harness the potential of Baro Port for socio-economic transformation of the state and the nation in general,” he said.
The chairman of the occasion, Col. Sani Bello (retd), represented by Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd) commended the Etsu Nupe’s dedication to the welfare and development of his people. He expressed confidence that the foundation would empower youths and that the colloquium would provide lasting solutions to the challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria
