The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged the federal government to invest in the agricultural sector, News About Nigeria reports.
He made this appeal in a statement shared via his verified X account on Thursday during a visit to Mary Agro Farms, Omughu, Obeleagu-Umana, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in agriculture, describing it as a viable solution to Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis.
The visit followed his participation in the Peaceland University conference in Enugu on Wednesday.
Obi commended the farm’s operational expansion and adoption of innovative agricultural practices, praising them as critical drivers of food security.
He also cited a recent United Nations report warning that 33 million Nigerians could face severe hunger by 2025. According to Save the Children International, he added, 5.4 million Nigerian children are at risk of acute malnutrition within the same period.
Obi stated: “Between the time I visited their pilot scheme in Udi over two years ago and supported them, and yesterday, when I visited their permanent site, I was delighted to witness a remarkable transformation that underscores their commitment to excellence and growth.
“In line with my tradition of supporting productive ventures, I donated ₦20 million to the farm. I hope they will continue to remain innovative and productive, especially during this critical period of severe hunger, food scarcity, and inflation in our nation.
“For a nation already battling severe hunger, these alarming statistics call for immediate action. I continue to urge governments at all levels to take measurable steps toward investing in food production to mitigate the ongoing food crisis.”
