High cost of farming inputs, insecurity, bad roads makes agric hard for people – Chief Ogbe

Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, has observed that the high cost of farming inputs, insecurity and bad roads, among others, have made agriculture difficult for many, especially the youths in the country.

Ogbe stated this during a colloquium on agriculture and the launch of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar endowment fund to mark 21 years on the throne and 72 years of the Etsu Nupe in Abuja.

The former minister of agriculture, who was the keynote speaker, described the food challenge as a disturbing issue that can lead to social vices if not adequately addressed.

He noted, “The high cost of farming inputs, insecurity and bad roads, among others, have made Agriculture difficult for many, hence there is the need for the government to address the challenges to make Agriculture more attractive, especially to youths.”

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in his remarks commended the celebrant for sustaining a good relationship with his administration and for his crucial role in galvanising other traditional rulers in all the emirates in the state to support the agricultural initiatives of the present administration.

The Governor, who announced a personal donation of N100 million to the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation endowment fund, said there is wealth and prosperity in agriculture, while appreciating the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revolutionise it and ensure food sovereignty.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in his remarks, explained that the event was to engage stakeholders to bring agriculture to the forefront of public dialogue and set the agenda for sustainable socio-economic development of the society.

He also stated that the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation was set up to enable him to give back to society, making life meaningful for the less privileged at the grassroots.

The chairman of the occasion, Col. Sani Bello (retd), who spoke through Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), commended Etsu Nupe for always pursuing the welfare and development of his people, adding, ” The foundation will no doubt make the youths productive while the colloquium would proffer solutions to challenges of Agriculture in Nigeria.”