Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has underscored the connection between rising banditry and kidnapping activities in the country and the prevailing unemployment situation.
Speaking at the 9th International Trade Exhibition & Conference on Agrofood, Plastics, Printing, and Packaging held in Lagos, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need to address unemployment as a means to bolster national security.
Obasanjo, renowned for his fervent advocacy for agricultural development, highlighted the potential of agribusiness in addressing food security, employment generation, and poverty alleviation.
He stressed the importance of promoting agriculture to provide opportunities for gainful employment, particularly among the youth, thereby reducing their susceptibility to criminal activities.
“The nexus between unemployment and insecurity cannot be overstated. By providing employment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, we can mitigate the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities,” remarked Obasanjo during his address.
Moreover, Obasanjo urged policymakers to prioritize agriculture and ensure policy consistency to incentivize investment and facilitate long-term planning by farmers. He emphasized the need for affordable financing options, such as single-digit loans, to support agribusiness ventures and enhance profitability.
The event brought together over 140 exhibitors from around the world to showcase tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market.
Among the attendees was the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who highlighted the pressing issue of post-harvest losses and the imperative of cold chain infrastructure in preserving agricultural produce.
In response to the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Wouter Plomp pledged support for initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening agricultural ties between Nigeria and European nations.
As Nigeria strives to harness its agricultural potential and overcome food security challenges, collaboration between public and private stakeholders, coupled with strategic investments in cold chain infrastructure, will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the agrofood industry.
The exchange rate quoted the dollar at N1,453.28, showcasing a notable improvement from the previous close of N1,492.61.
Thursday’s market performance underscores the resilience and adaptability of Nigerian equities amidst evolving economic landscapes, offering investors a glimpse of optimism amid prevailing challenges.
