The presidency has urged Nigerians to adopt subsistence farming to combat the rising cost of food.
This call was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, during a meeting with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Abuja. The statement was released by ACOE’s Chairman, Martins Odiete, yesterday.
“In 1976, former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation,’ promoting farming,” Onanuga said. “In 1984, during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, there were shortages of rice, milk, and sugar, prompting the government to open warehouses to supply these items.
This is not the first time we are facing such a crisis.”
Onanuga emphasized the government’s investment in agriculture to make food more available and affordable, and he highlighted the role individuals can play in this effort. He acknowledged the current difficulties but assured that within the next twelve months, Nigerians would begin to see positive results from the government’s initiatives.
“Though people complain about hardship, I told the BBC that cost of living crises exist globally. Maybe what is happening in the world is a cycle, and countries will have to go through certain difficulties. We are going through it, but this government is making serious efforts to reduce the hardships faced by our people,” he added.
Onanuga also promised a robust relationship with the media for the effective dissemination of news in line with global best practices. In response, Odiete emphasized the importance of partnering with the presidential media team to ensure accurate and responsible news dissemination, which serves the greater good of society.
“In an age where information flows ceaselessly across digital platforms, this partnership is pivotal for ensuring accurate, responsible, and effective dissemination of news and information. By working together, we can ensure that the information reaching the public serves the greater good of society,” Odiete said. Odiete also thanked Onanuga for the meeting and noted that ACOE members were thoroughly screened to ensure the integrity of the association.
