To tackle the challenge of the rising cost of food, the presidency has called on Nigerians to embrace subsistence farming. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this appeal during a meeting with a group of online editors, under the aegis of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), in Abuja.
In a statement released by ACOE’s Chairman, Mr. Martins Odiete, on Saturday in Abuja, Onanuga emphasized the importance of self-reliance in food production as a means to mitigate the impact of soaring food prices.
He encouraged Nigerians to cultivate their own food, highlighting subsistence farming as a practical solution to ensure food security and reduce dependency on market forces. This initiative, he noted, would not only help in addressing the immediate food crisis but also promote sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
“In 1976, former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation,’ promoting farming.
“In 1984, when former President Muhammadu Buhari came in, there were shortages of rice, milk, and sugar, and the government had to open warehouses to make these items available to people.”
“This is not the first time we are going through this kind of crisis.”
“The government is investing in agriculture to make things available and affordable, and as individuals, we also have a role to play,” he said.
Onanuga acknowledged that, things were not working as President Bola Tinubu’ wanted.
He, however assured that in the next twelve months, Nigerians will begin to see the results of the government’s efforts for the country’s benefit.
“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 said.
