In a resounding call for proactive measures, the United States has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to channel its focus and resources towards strategic investment in agriculture.
according to thenationonlineng.net, the Charge d’Affaires in Nigeria, David Greene, said this at Ipao-Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State during a visit by the US embassy to the 15,000 hectares Agbeyewa Farms, a private initiative of Cavista Holdings.
Greene said if truly Nigeria wants to bolster food security and fast-rack socio- economic prosperity, governments at all level and Nigerians must leverage on the existing productive potential abound in the agricultural sector.
The United States has urged the Federal Government to prioritise investment in agriculture, to tackle the prevailing food crisis and resultant hunger ravaging the country.
The Charge d’Affaires in Nigeria, David Greene, said this at Ipao-Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State during a visit by the US embassy to the 15,000 hectares Agbeyewa Farms, a private initiative of Cavista Holdings.
Greene said if truly Nigeria wants to bolster food security and fast-rack socio- economic prosperity, governments at all level and Nigerians must leverage on the existing productive potential abound in the agricultural sector.
The US Diplomat noted that the country was abundantly blessed with agricultural potential to stimulate economic growth and development, improve food security and create job opportunities, but it was not fully utilised the way it should be.
He said Nigeria with abundance of arable land, fertile soil and favourable weather has all it takes to maximise the potential in agriculture, not only to feed her citizens, but also to export for income generation.
Greene called on the Federal Government to take a cue from the Agbeyewa Farms, which has tapped into economic potential of large-scale agriculture to create value, boost food security, create jobs as well as drive economic growth and development.
“We are aware of food security challenge and the post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
With investments and leadership like this, I think the lives of Nigerians can be changed for the better.
“We know that agriculture in Nigeria has lots of incredible potential. The US will do a lot in the sector of course, but I can’t say precisely what we may do in future. We have investment at Ikun Diary Farms and cocoa production in Ekiti and the rest.
“USAID sees the future and is offering a lot across board to the Nigerian producer, collaborating with donors, including the World Bank and others. With the kind of economic innovation we see here, we need to work together with the people of Nigeria to benefit the people. This kind of innovations we see here are the kind of things we need to work together and see more to benefit Nigerians, increase the export yield as well as revolutionise the agricultural sector,” he said.
The Chairman of the Cavista Holdings, Mr. John Olajide, said the vision behind the multimillion naira investment in agribusiness was to ensure adequate supply of food, improve nutrition, create jobs and foster community development.
