In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and foster food sufficiency, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the former Governor of Ogun State and current representative of Ogun East in the National Assembly, has initiated a comprehensive training program for rice farmers.
At the heart of this effort is the endorsement and commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revitalize agriculture in the nation.
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The training program, launched at the POLA Facility, Asoludero Court, Sagamu, is a collaborative effort between Senator Daniel and the National Productivity Centre. The event not only marked the commencement of a strategic training initiative but also saw the distribution of free rice seedlings and fertilizers to over 100 participants.
Addressing the gathering under the theme, “Promotion of rice value chain for self-sufficiency and import substitution in Remo Communities, Ogun State,” Senator Daniel emphasized the immense potential Nigeria holds in rice cultivation. He urged citizens to rekindle interest in farming, stressing the dual importance of meeting local consumption needs and earning foreign exchange.
The senator expressed his commitment to deepening democracy’s dividends by bringing governance closer to his constituents through initiatives like the rice farmers’ training program. Encouraging Nigerians to support the current administration’s efforts in tackling national challenges, he underscored the historical significance of agriculture as the nation’s economic backbone before the era of oil.
Senator Daniel pleaded, “Let us begin to grow rice and make Nigeria become one of the rice-producing countries in the world. This program is meant to empower our people without fear or favour. We expect you to plant these seedlings and become successful rice farmers.”
Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, hailed Senator Daniel for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to enhance food sufficiency and availability in Nigeria. Represented by Engr. (Mrs.) Linda Bitrus, Raji-Mustapha emphasized the crucial role rice production plays in the nation’s economy, dubbing it the “new oil.”
He urged participants to reciprocate the gesture by becoming productive rice farmers, envisioning Ogun East Senatorial District as a hub for rice production not only in Nigeria but also in the West Africa sub-region and beyond.
The initiative, supported by both Senator Gbenga Daniel and the National Productivity Centre, aims to harness the agricultural potential of Ogun State, contributing to the nation’s goal of becoming a global leader in rice production.
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Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
