Nigerians Called To Embrace Agriculture, Diversify Country's Economy
Stakeholders who graced the new yam festival of Umuchi village in Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area, Anambra state have called on Nigerians to give more priority to Agricultural production as a way of diversifying the country's economy even as they posited that Agriculture is capable of reducing unemployment and crime in the country.
According to them, reviving agricultural sector of Nigeria would make her the major food basket of nations as it was formally known for prior to discovery of crude oil while groundnut pyramid, cocoa and palm oil from the country led in the global markets.
They also pointed out that agriculture will assist in straightening Nigeria's unity and in combating crimes, poverty, joblessness and uprising noting that " a hungry man is a devil workshop".
Speaking to newsmen after the occasion, Chief B.C Ezenweke, a-farmer and CEO of RoseBen Motors LTD underscored the importance of Agriculture and reiterated the needs for graduates/educated and uneducated, old and young Nigerians to focus more attention on it since according to him “there is no food for lazy man”.
Ezenweke who claimed that many farmlands were wasting as Nigeria economy depends solely on crude oil further disclosed that species of plants and animals were going to extinction while her citizenry “are busy chasing non-existing white collar jobs”.
However, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Omeagu while disclosing that New-yam festival is an annual cultural event aimed at glorifying the Almighty God for the gift of life to witness next harvesting season, disclosed that befitting award would be presented to any farmer with best yam during their next festivity.
Chief Omeagu in furtherance implored people of the community to give room for peace to reign noting that Ekwulobia had been marginalized by the present administration of Governor Peter Obi as a result of crises rocking the town.
Similarly, Chairman of Ekwulobia Development Union (EDU), Chief Emmanuel Okeke emphasized that peace has returned to the community but urged the populace to forgive and forget nieghbour's offenses and forge ahead in order to bring about massive infrastructural development therein.
In the same vein, other notable men in the society including Chief J.J Okafor, Ozo Onyebuchi Ani, Hon. Godwin Chukwuka, Nze Ogbonnia Ezeazuike and Chief Daniel Ogbonna reaffirmed that peace and unity would speed-up urban development, attract government presence to the community as well as enable them to share democracy dividends.
Earlier speaking, Transitional Committee Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Chief Titus Anagbogu urged Ekwulobia indigenes to be tolerance as well as convey stakeholders meeting in which they would resolve their political differences noting that no meaningful development will thrive amidst of crises.