Dr. Solomon Ẹkúndayọ̀ has highlighted the growing food crisis in South West Nigeria, attributing it to the region’s leadership failures.
Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ lamented that the South West has become economically dependent on Northern farmers and Igbo traders due to its inability to produce sufficient food.
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Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ observed that despite the high level of insecurity in the North, Northern farmers still manage to supply food to the South West. He questioned why the South West, with its vast arable land, struggles to grow basic crops like tomatoes and peppers, which were once common in the region.
“All our governors are so fixated on federal allocation, forgetting that they can get more funds in agriculture than what they are getting from Abuja. It is a big shame on us in the South West,” he stated.
He pointed out that Lagos alone spends 22.5 billion Naira monthly on tomatoes and peppers, highlighting the economic potential if neighbouring states could cultivate these crops.
He stressed that the South West’s failure to tap into agricultural opportunities is not due to lack of resources but rather a lack of initiative and proper planning by the state governments.
Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ emphasized the potential of the South West’s fertile land, stating, “We are sitting on millions of hectares of arable land, yet we are suffering from food scarcity. This is unacceptable.”
He cited Ekiti State, the smallest in the South West, with 300,000 hectares of arable land, as an example of wasted potential.
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Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ proposed that if the 137 local government areas in the South West allocated just 15% of their income to agricultural development, the region could see a significant boost in food production.
He suggested that such an investment would create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and curb food inflation.
Reflecting on his experiences in Kwara State, he noted that this largely Yoruba state, despite its resources, also fails to utilise its agricultural potential effectively.
He recalled how he and his uncle managed to produce rice on a small scale, underscoring the feasibility of local food production with proper commitment and planning.
Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ called on South West governors to take decisive action, leveraging the land use decree of 1978, which made them custodians of the land.
He urged them to focus on agricultural development to transform the region’s economy and ensure food security.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ẹkúndayọ̀ criticised the tendency to blame the federal government for local failures.
He asserted, “Expecting the President to start growing tomatoes inside Aso Rock and sharing it to our homes is not the solution. Our governors must rise to the challenge and make the most of the resources at their disposal.”
This incisive commentary sheds light on the urgent need for proactive leadership and strategic agricultural investments in South West Nigeria to address the ongoing food crisis and drive regional economic growth.
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