MOUAU CONVOCATION LECTURE:
Prof. Hafiz Blames Nigeria Food Scarcity On Insecurity

By Charity Uwakwe

Prof. Hafiz Abubakar has attributed the recurrent rural banditry, kidnapping, herders-farmers clashes and the dreaded Boko saying it has resulted in low food production, as well as hindered agricultural value chain in the nation.

According to Prof. Abubakar, the current state of insecurity in Nigeria can only be managed with the help of agriculture-based economic diversification in Nigeria.

Presenting the 10th convocation lecture entitled, “Nigeria Of Our Dreams: Managing National Security And Diversification Of Nigeria’s Economy Through Agriculture”, at Anyim Pius Anyim auditorium, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Prof. Abubakar reiterated that a strong political will “is required to develop and implement policies and strategies for economic diversification in Nigeria”.

The former Deputy Governor of Kano State emphasised the need for strong political will in the Nigerian nation.

He pointed out that the quest for the development and implementation of policies and strategies geared towards restraining insecurity in the country and pave the way for economic diversification in Nigeria through Agriculture.

Hear him: “The multi-sectoral nature of agriculture value chain suggests the need for concerted efforts involving all stakeholders in the development and realisation of the economic diversification agenda”

He posited that agriculture and national security were intertwined towards achieving economic growth and wealth creation.

The ex-governor opined that in order to have the desired Nigeria, “the development of economic diversification plan with clear guidance and responsibilities of all stakeholders is imperative.

Furthermore, he added that the multi-sectoral nature of agricultural value chain implied the need for concerted efforts involving all stakeholders in the development and realization of the economic diversification agenda.

He said: “What the Nigerian Government must do to be tracked with its plans to reposition the agricultural sector is to urgently deal with the insecurity that characterizes the farming communities”, as he rightly observed that there is a far-reaching implication on Nigeria’s security architecture if food insecurity is not reversed and resolved.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Chris Adighije pointed out that agriculture is vital in economic sustainability of any country.

He regretted that insecurity with its multiplier effects has caused great decline in the sector.

He advised that as alternative sources of energy are trending that will put our oil dependence at risk, there is need to revamp the agricultural sector.

The occasion was attended by the university principal officers, deans and heads and staff of various colleges, units and departments. The who grace the occasion include traditional rulers, some academics across the country, business moguls amongst other.