Peter Obi Advocates Increased Agricultural Investment to Tackle Insecurity and Poverty in Nigeria

• Peter Obi stresses the pivotal role of agriculture in addressing Nigeria’s challenges of insecurity, poverty, inflation, and food security
• Obi highlights the vast uncultivated land in Nigeria, particularly in the north, and advocates for efficient agricultural production to uplift Nigerians

Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, emphasized the importance of enhanced investment in agriculture as a means to address the prevailing challenges of insecurity, poverty, inflation, and food security in Nigeria.

On Sunday, Obi highlighted agriculture as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy during his visit to Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday. He underscored the potential of adequate funding in the agricultural sector to transform the nation’s economic landscape.

“Nigeria boasts of the largest uncultivated land in the world, primarily situated in the northern part of the country,” Obi remarked. “With efficient agricultural production, this sector holds the capacity to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and mitigate the challenges of insecurity.”

Obi emphasized that agriculture is fundamental to achieving food security, eradicating hunger, and serving as a key foreign exchange earner to stabilize the economy. He reiterated the need to prioritize Nigeria’s development for the sake of future generations.

Acknowledging Kebbi’s status as an agricultural hub, Obi commended its potential to contribute significantly to national food production.

His visit to Kebbi, following similar engagements in Nasarawa, Niger, and Sokoto states, aimed to foster solidarity with fellow Muslims during Ramadan and identify opportunities for assistance.

“As part of my visit, I provided Ramadan breakfast to 100 Muslims and inaugurated a solar-powered borehole at Hutawa Fulani settlement in Birnin Kebbi,” Obi stated.

In response, Governor Idris, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, expressed gratitude for Obi’s visit and assured Obi of the state government’s commitment to investing in human capital development, particularly in agriculture.

Idris highlighted recent initiatives by the state government, including procuring and distributing N2.9 billion worth of fertilizers to farmers regardless of party affiliations. The governor emphasized efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and stabilize market prices of agricultural produce by providing essential resources and infrastructure.