Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stern warning about the dire consequences Nigeria could face if it fails to prioritize agriculture. Speaking at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a courtesy visit by commissioners and special advisers from Niger State, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for significant investments in the agricultural sector.
“A nation that cannot feed itself is sitting on a time bomb,” Obasanjo cautioned, stressing that the ongoing challenges facing the country will persist until Nigeria achieves self-sufficiency in food production.
The former president praised Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his transformative approach to agriculture, drawing parallels between Bago’s initiatives and his own “Operation Feed the Nation” policy from 1976. Obasanjo noted that with the advent of modern agricultural equipment, the impact of such programs could be even more profound than in the past.
As part of their visit, the delegation also toured a cutting-edge soilless farm where young Nigerlites are being trained in innovative agricultural techniques, which are expected to be replicated across Niger State.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to consider investing in soilless farming, warning that the country could soon face a shortage of arable land due to the current rate of land use. He stressed that adopting innovative farming methods is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
In a press release issued by Aisha Wakaso, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Print Media, Obasanjo called on other state governors to follow Niger State’s lead in agricultural development. He encouraged Niger State to continue its investments in agriculture and to explore modern methods to enhance existing practices.
Obasanjo also expressed his intention to visit Niger State with his team to learn from the progress made so far and to exchange ideas that could enhance his own agricultural initiatives.
Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser and Focal Person on Social Investment Programmes, spoke on behalf of the Niger State delegation. She expressed gratitude to the former president for his guidance, noting that the visit was aimed at tapping into Obasanjo’s vast experience and wisdom. Bako reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to advancing agriculture and implementing innovative solutions to ensure both the state’s and the nation’s food security.
