Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s hunger crisis, highlighting the country’s alarming position among the top 20 most hungry nations globally. Obi made this assertion during a private visit to Kebbi State, where he addressed pressing issues related to food insecurity and agricultural investment.
Arriving in Kebbi State, Obi emphasized Nigeria’s dire situation as reflected by its ranking of 109 out of 125 countries on the global hunger index. His remarks underscored the urgent need for strategic interventions to address food scarcity and poverty plaguing the nation.
The former governor of Anambra State pointed to the Federal Government’s failure to prioritize holistic investments in agriculture as a key factor contributing to Nigeria’s current state of hunger and poverty. Obi stressed the importance of directing agricultural investments to the northern region, which boasts vast arable land suitable for both peasant and mechanized farming.
In his address at the Kebbi State Government House, Obi lamented Nigeria’s distinction as having the highest number of uncultivated land globally, coupled with a significant population of unemployed youth. He underscored the missed opportunity to harness the potential of these resources to drive mass agricultural investment, which could generate millions of direct and indirect jobs across the country.
During his visit, Obi announced initiatives aimed at providing immediate relief to vulnerable communities grappling with food insecurity. He pledged to personally support the Ramadan feeding of 100 indigent individuals and commissioned a borehole project in Kahuta village, situated behind the Dukku Army Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.
“We are here to support with water and some little financial assistance because this is a private visit not political,” Obi affirmed, emphasizing his commitment to addressing pressing humanitarian needs irrespective of political affiliations.
Obi’s visit to Kebbi State served as a platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat hunger and poverty in Nigeria. His advocacy for increased agricultural investment and targeted interventions to empower vulnerable communities resonated with local leaders and stakeholders grappling with the challenges of food insecurity.
The former presidential candidate’s call to action aligns with broader efforts to prioritize food security and sustainable development in Nigeria. By highlighting the critical role of agricultural investment in addressing hunger and poverty, Obi underscores the need for proactive measures to unlock the nation’s agricultural potential and uplift marginalized communities.
As Nigeria grapples with the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity and economic hardship, stakeholders across sectors must heed Obi’s call to prioritize agricultural development and invest in initiatives that empower communities and foster inclusive growth. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, Nigeria can chart a path towards a more food-secure and prosperous future for all its citizens.
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