……ADVOCATES NEED FOR ECONOMY DIVERSIFICATION.
…….CHARGES YOUTH TO EMBRACE AGRICULTURE.
The Commissioner 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission (ODHASC), Hon Adebusuyi Pius Idowu has called on stakeholders including government to use agriculture for the economic diversification to revive Nigeria’s economy.
Similarly, the former State lawmaker advocated that Agricultural science and Agric practical should be a compulsory subject for all students in the country, while youths involvement in the sector should be greatly encouraged by the government at all levels.
The Idanre/Ifedore DG of the 2024 Aiyedatiwa/Adelami Governorship Campaign Committee, who was guest on an Akure based radio station, Orange FM’s current affairs program “Policy Talk”, which was monitored by SUNSHINETRUTH News said it was high time Nigeria shifted its attention from crude oil to agriculture which had been there for the country before the discovery of oil in 1956.
Adebusuyi, a former Ifedore local government Chairman, explained that economic diversification is a strategy used by many countries, to reduce their dependence on a single industry or sector by developing and promoting other sectors.
The APC Chieftain noted that Nigerian has a large agricultural sector, with potential for growth in areas such as cassava, rice, and cocoa production that should be enhanced to reposition the country.
The former lawmaker who applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to Agricultural development with various programme, are indications that food sufficiency in the State is sure.
“Let’s think agriculture. This will create a more resilient and sustainable economy that is better equipped to withstand economic shocks and fluctuations” he said
“Before now, 72 percent of the total national output of the economy came from agriculture in 1950, as against 1.1% from mining and crude oil, but the reverse is the case after the discovery of the oil, as Nigerians abandoned agriculture and focused solely on oil economy” he said.
Adebusuyi charged the youths to engage in Agricultural practices and not to leave the sector in the hands of the older generation.
He explained that the effect of the neglect is worrisome and is affecting the growth of the Nigerian economy in terms of food security, stressing out that their involvement would a long way.
He also urged government at all levels to have proper engagement with the younger generation to see the need to be involved in Agriculture.
