Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the university’s founder, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to bring life back to the nation’s abandoned farm communities in order to boost the economy of the nation.
Babalola bemoaned the lack of action being taken by governments at all levels in the agricultural sector, pointing out that Nigeria, which was once among the top exporters of cocoa and palm oil, has fallen from its position as a result of the industry’s neglect.
Reviving the country’s abandoned farm villages would, according to him, increase food security, increase agricultural output for both domestic consumption and export, and supply raw materials for businesses.
The founder of ABUAD, who places a high value on promoting agriculture and igniting students’ interest in it, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. He also revealed that the Initiative for Green Sustainability has chosen him as the 2024 African Man of the Year in Food Security.
The award, he said, “is a call on me to do more in contributing to the development of the country, which, of course, includes agriculture,” since it comes from a group dedicated to raising awareness of agriculture and highlighting the significance of food security.
As the premier of the former Western Region, the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo encouraged agriculture through farm settlements to increase the region’s revenue base, which guaranteed the construction of vital institutions and infrastructure that have continued to be the pride of the South-West, according to Babalola.
In order to realise the nation’s dwindling agricultural potential, he fervently urged governments to take into account the rebirth of farm settlements, arguing that doing so would “also create job opportunities for the unemployed youths in the country and as well reduce the level of insecurity to the barest minimum.”
Raising the yearly budgetary allotment to the agricultural sector, according to Babalola, will enable millions of Nigerians to escape poverty and ensure their food security.
He also emphasised the urgent need for the government to enact sustainable policies and to supply improved seedlings, modern farm equipment, and low-interest loans in order to increase the appeal of agriculture to young people.
