The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria on Saturday called on the Federal Government to strive to depoliticise Agriculture in the country by prioritising a community data bank of genuine farmers in all support programs.
This was contained in a 16-point communique issued by the forum, at the end of its 3rd National Conference, with the theme “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria”, which was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the country’s capital at the beginning of the week.
According to the communique which was signed by Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Deputy National Chairman, North), FFDGN, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, (Deputy National Chairman (South), FFDGN, as well as Comrade Chris Alozie Akomas, the National Chairman, FFDGN, the Federal Government should create Agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs while community vigilante groups will complement the National security.
The forum encouraged the government to introduce modern technology in agriculture, including equipment, high-yield seeds and seedlings to boost food production, even as it called for the revamping of the Bank of Agriculture, to live up to its responsibilities.
While pointing out the urgent need to strengthen Agricultural institutions and linkages with relevant research centres, the former deputy governors asked that youth entrepreneurship skills be encouraged through Agricultural extension centres and demonstration farms.
It noted that entrenching good governance in the country is imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
The “Governors are encouraged to ensure a harmonious relationship with their deputies to promote sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Entrenching good governance is an imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Consultation for economic policy by the IMF and the World Bank should be open and inclusive of all major Stakeholders in Nigeria.
“Every effort should be made to ensure that funds from external borrowings by the Federal Government and sub-national Governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with impact on citizens’ standard of living.
“As a matter of policy, the Federal Government should enact laws at Federal and state levels that will compel successive governments to complete subsisting projects as they embark on new ones”, the communique read.
In his closing remarks the Convener of the 3rd National Conference of Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, Comrade Chris Akomas reiterated the preparedness of the Forum to make useful suggestions and inputs towards achieving a country whose citizens are comfortable in their country because of the good governance they will experience, even as he had insisted that achieving a country of our collective dreams, requires the collective effort of all, pointing out that this is what is meant by nation building.
