Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for increased support and encouragement for agro-investors in Nigeria to strengthen the country’s food security.
Jonathan made the call on Saturday during the inauguration of a Soybean Plant and Refinery by the Called Servant to Service (CSS) Global Integrated Farms, located along the Keffi-Abuja road at Gora, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
While commending the founder of CSS Farms, Prof. Kennedy Opara, and other agricultural investors in the country, Jonathan described farming as a business that carries great risk and emphasised that it required significant support and encouragement.
He recalled how, after the devastating 2012 floods in Nigeria, his administration mobilised both local and international support for farmers and flood victims.
Jonathan further noted that his government, under the leadership of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as Minister of Agriculture, ensured food security, preventing a food shortage that year in spite of the floods.
He mentioned that Nigeria received an award in Rome for reducing hunger, highlighting the positive impact of their efforts.
Jonathan also emphasised the importance of collective investment in building Nigeria and encouraged Nigerians not to seek opportunities elsewhere but to contribute to improving the country.
“We cannot wait for others to come and build Nigeria. We must build this country ourselves,” he stated.
He called on citizens to take responsibility for the nation’s progress, ensuring that youth could find jobs and lead fulfilling lives.
Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, lauded the inauguration of the refinery as a sign that Nigeria and Africa were on the right track.
He highlighted Africa’s potential to feed itself and the world, particularly with 60 per cent of the continent’s arable land.
Koroma noted that initiatives like CSS Farms would provide much-needed employment for Africa’s young population and contribute to food security on the continent.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by Deputy Gov. Dr Emmanuel Akabe, congratulated Opara on the refinery’s opening and encouraged other investors to consider Nasarawa State for investment.
He emphasised the state’s commitment to providing a favourable environment for business development and investment.
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, urged Nigerians to embrace mechanised agriculture like CSS Farms and to consider agro-business as an alternative to migrating abroad.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant resources offered ample opportunities for job creation and national development.
Other dignitaries at the event included Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, former Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade, Primate of Anglican Church Henry Ndukuba, and Bishop Effa Emmanuel.
The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Opara’s birthday and the farm’s anniversary. (NAN)
