If the dream of massive food production is to be achieved in Nigeria, the
federal government must end insecurity in the country. That was the
submission of Samson Abodunrin, Lions Club District 404B4 Governor,
Nigeria. He has, therefore, implored the federal government to take
immediate action to address insecurity, which he said is the root cause of
hunger in the nation.
Abodunrin said this while briefing journalists during a press conference
organised ahead of the district’s 1st convention, in Abeokuta, the Ogun
State. This, according to him, has raised concerns regarding the growing
hunger crisis in the nation. He has therefore, appealed to President Bola
Tinubu to use his good offices to ensure that peace is brought to the
country and the farmers are able to freely ply their trade.
He emphasised that tackling insecurity would enable farmers to safely
return to their fields and produce much-needed food for the country, also
stressed the need for the government to empower farmers with machinery,
fertilizers and agricultural implements for farmers to be more active and
productive.
He implored President Tinubu to “prioritise national security, particularly in
rural areas, to provide farmers with the confidence and safety necessary to
resume their vital work, as such will enhance the nation’s food security and
reduce hunger.”
He enumerated the consequences of insecurity on food production and
prices saying, “Due to insecurity in Nigeria, farmers can no longer farm. A
tuber of yam which used to be 200 naira now sells for 1000 to 2000 naira.
The government must wake up on three aspects. The first aspect is to
secure lives and properties, create security across the land, to give hope to
those farmers across the villages.”
He said, once the government is able to put an end to insecurity, it should
endeavour to give support to farmers. He said, “The second approach is to
provide machinery- fertilizers and agricultural implements are highly
subsidized. I want to recommend that we go back to 1960 during the late
Awolowo farm settlement camp that gave birth to Cocoa House.”
Abodunrin and his people are not just sermonizing. They are also willing to
support government along this line. He, therefore, highlighted what his
administration has done to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in their
immediate environment. He said, “The club, as part of an effort to support
the Federal government in combating hunger in Nigeria, has fed over
15,000 households, including the less privileged and public school pupils.”
And, as he said, they are doing more.
