The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a transformative move to unlock the sector’s vast potential and maximise its value chains.
Speaking at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s (FRCN) Annual Lecture yesterday in Abuja, themed “Food Security in Nigeria: Which Way Forward?” the minister highlighted the administration’s strategic focus on agriculture and food security.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) recently took a bold and transformative step by establishing a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development.
This strategic move underscores the administration’s recognition of the immense potential within the livestock sector, often referred to as an untapped gold mine,” he stated.
The minister emphasised that food security is integral to national stability, sovereignty, and security, noting that the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects this priority.
He added that the administration is leveraging Nigeria’s vast arable land, favorable climate, and youthful population to tackle challenges in food production and achieve self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land, favourable climatic conditions, and a youthful population, has the potential to be a global agricultural powerhouse. Yet, significant challenges persist in attaining affordability and self-sufficiency in food production.
“This reality has informed the President’s special attention to agriculture, which remains the biggest employer of labour in the country,” he said.
Idris also outlined the administration’s early interventions, including declaring a state of emergency on food insecurity, initiating a food security and sustainability intervention project, and addressing hoarding and smuggling to ensure affordability and availability of essential commodities.
“Nigeria’s path to food security is not insurmountable. Through collective resolve, we can transform our nation into a land of abundance, where no Nigerian goes to bed hungry,” he affirmed.
The minister also stressed the critical role of the media in promoting food security by raising awareness, educating farmers on modern techniques and climate change adaptability, and highlighting government interventions.
He commended the FRCN director general, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, and his team for reviving the Annual Lecture series as a platform for intellectual discourse on national issues, in line with FRCN’s mantra of “Uplifting the People and Uniting the Nation.”
“True to its slogan, the FRCN has consistently demonstrated its commitment to national development, not only through its compelling programming but also through impactful initiatives like this Annual Lecture, which brings stakeholders together for meaningful discussions,” he added.
For his part, the FRCN director general, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing him and reaffirmed his commitment to justifying the trust placed in him.
The lecture featured a keynote address by Professor Abba Gambo and a panel of distinguished discussants who explored solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges. The revived lecture series also introduced an award ceremony recognizing organizations and individuals contributing to national development.
Dr. Bulama outlined FRCN’s modernisation efforts, including expanding multimedia platforms, embracing renewable energy, and fostering partnerships to serve Nigeria’s diverse population better.
He called for continued collaboration to build a stronger and united Nigeria.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including the minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar; the minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna.
