By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu and Hon. Joseph Gbenu |
Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency I, hosted the 9th constituency stakeholders meeting to discuss solutions to lingering food crises in the nation.
The meeting titled "Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming." was held on Friday at Olorunda Local Government Development Area.
Bonu Solomon, in his opening address, said, "What we have to do is engage our people and, talk to them on how to go back to farming because we have the land but the people are not making use of it.
"The selling of agricultural lands for development needs to be stopped. The same thing goes to the traditional leaders, We have gathered the feedback of the people today, which will be taken to the house to know what the government can do to help and support the people," he said.
Bonu also pointed out that intensified poultry production is one of the fastest routes to achieve food sufficiency and enhance the economic status of our citizens, as a coronary to our compelling national drive to embrace agriculture at a substantial level. Nigerian first lady Mrs. Oluremi Tunubu led by example as she launched every home a garden competition.
The House of Assembly in August 2024 passed a resolution calling on governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the reintroduction of agriculture back to the state educational curriculum. The house also passed a resolution towards domesticating the farming, an initiative introduced by the first lady to prevent food scarcity and boost food security in the nation.
"Therefore we need to key into federal and Lagos State government programs, living responsibly by planning for food security, a sustainable future, and gainful employment, homegrown farming has been widely acknowledged to be crucial to food sufficiency." he added.
Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan the House of Representatives Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency said, What we want to eat is in our hands, Agriculture is easier to practice in Badagry than any other part of the state, as land is available.
"It's true things are hard, but it's a matter of shot time for that short time. Let us enter the farm and do the little we can. The phase we are in with the economic situation of the country is not something that will last long, and the things our President met on ground are not that we can say. Today we have someone who can fix the economy, someone who understands systems; he is putting his energy to make sure we have a better country. In a short time, you will start seeing the results of the efforts of our policymakers," Hon. Sesi said.
Comr. Aladeotan David, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos West Vice Chairman, who represented the youth groups, presented proposals on Badagry youths farm settlement, He said, "We came up with this proposal during the food crisis whether we like it or not, it's a fight for all, we can't do without eating every day.
"We want a big farm settlement majority for young people, we deserve tractors and implements that would be used on the land with modern irrigation," he said.