OSINBAJO: Niger State Can Feed Half Of Africa

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, says Niger State, with its rich agricultural potentials and resources should develop the capacity to feed both the country and about half of the African continent.

Osinbajo, while highlighting the local and international economic potentials of states in Nigeria, stated that “Indeed, this state like most of Nigeria is largely an undiscovered jewel; a real treasure hiding in plain sight. The vision is to position Niger State to feed at least 50% of Africa. This may sound like a tall order given today’s level of production. But we should always set our sights high.”

The Acting President made the statement on Monday in Minna at the Investment Summit organised by Niger State tagged “Truly Niger” to showcase the rich potentials of the State to investors.

Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Acting President spoke on the theme Impacting Investment For Advancing Agricultural Economy and Innovation stating that “even in the best days of oil dominance in Nigeria, agriculture provided jobs for 30 percent of our population, and about the same percentage in contribution to GDP.”

Continuing, he noted that Agriculture is clearly the surest pathway to diversifying the economy, ensuring food security and improving foreign exchange earnings.

Speaking to industry chieftains, bankers, financial experts and senior government officials at the Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, in Minna, Prof Osinbajo noted that Niger State “boasts of size, occupying 10% of Nigeria’s land area, this is perhaps the largest tracts of arable land in the sub-region, the largest number of hydro-power assets, a hardworking, resourceful, youthful population and an experienced and purposeful leadership.”