The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria(FFDGN) has urged the Federal Government to create a community data bank of genuine farmers across the nation.
The advice was contained in a 16-point communique issued at the end of its 3rd National Conference themed Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria, which held in Abuja, the federal capital territory.
The Forum reasoned that having a data bank of real farmers at the grassroots would make it easier to identify and target them in all support programmes thereby ensuring seamless implementation.
In the communique signed by the National Chairman, Comrade Chris Alozie Akomas and the two Deputy Chairmen, Mukhtar Shagari(North) and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi(South), the Forum said that FG should end the politicisation of agriculture.
It stressed the need for government to encourage youth entrepreneurship skills in agriculture through extension centres and demonstration farms, adding that
agricultural institutions should be strengthened with their linkages to relevant research centres
In addition, the Forum urged government to create agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs while community vigilance groups would be used to complement the national security agencies.
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The Forum encouraged government to introduce modern technology in the nation’s agricultural practices, using relevant, adaptable equipment, high yield seeds and seedlings to boost food production.
While calling for the revamping of the Bank of Agriculture(BOA) to enable the specialised financial institution live up to its responsibilities, the FFDGN demanded for the entrenchment of good governance in the country.
It stated that good governance was imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria, which is the nexus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
During the two-day event, a total of five papers were presented, namely ‘The Renewed Hope Agenda: Prospects and Challenges’, presented by Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami; ‘Stabilizing the Economy: Policies for Sustainable Growth and Development’ by Prof. Uche Uwaleke; ‘Incumbent and Predecessor: Completing Projects and Sharing Ideas by Dr. Afolabi Olowookere.
Professor Nuhu Gworgwor presented a paper entitled ‘Ensuring Food Security: Taming the Challenges and Exploring Innovative Approaches to Agriculture, while Professor Habu Mohammed spoke on ‘Project Sustainability and Completion as Panacea for Effective Development’.
The Convener of the 3rd National Conference of the FFDGN, Comrade Akomas, had in his opening remarks lauded the participants and the resource persons for making the event a huge success.
He noted that the presentations were rich and innovative, adding that the presenters made very serious inputs, contributions, and key suggestions, which would be impactful and engender the needed change and progress.
Akomas reiterated the readiness of the Forum to make useful suggestions and inputs towards realising the dream of making Nigeria a country where citizens enjoy comfort and happiness due to good governance.
However, he pointed out that attaining the goal of building a country of our collective dreams, required the collective efforts of all, adding, “this is what is meant by nation building”