Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed the country’s food insecurity to the extensive dependence on oil since the 1970s, resulting in the neglect of the agriculture sector.
Shettima delivered this message during his lecture at the 13th convocation of Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State over the weekend.
Upon his arrival at Tunde Idiagbon Airport around 3:00 p.m., the Vice President was welcomed by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, his deputy, as well as state and federal lawmakers. Accompanied by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, and APC chieftain, Dr. Isia’q Kawu, among others, the former Borno governor proceeded to Al-Hikmah University. There, he inaugurated the institution’s Nursing Science Complex, named in his honor.
The lecture, titled “Addressing Nigeria’s Food Security Challenges Through Hi-Tech Approach: The Role of Nigerian Universities,” delved into the issues of food insecurity. Shettima expressed concern about the escalating problem, attributing it to policy inconsistencies, resource mismanagement, corruption, climate change, insurgencies, and natural disasters, among other factors.
He noted: “It is only when Nigeria, as a nation, begins to think boldly about revolutionising production, processing and guaranteeing sustained food security that it can identify sectors of the nation’s agriculture assets that are most likely to benefit from the application of technology.”
The Vice President proposed that Nigeria’s future can be safeguarded through an agricultural revolution, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership, a secure and peaceful environment, and a robust education system that fosters limitless potential in citizens.
He asserted that meaningful strides in agricultural production necessitate mechanization, advocating for the enhanced and effective adoption of modern technology to optimize yields.
Acknowledging AbdulRazaq as a judicious leader, he praised the governor for implementing various agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing food production in the state.
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