Obasanjo links agriculture as life-wire of human survival

BY Our Correspondent

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described agriculture as being synonymous with human survival and development.

Obasanjo gave the advice at the Grand Award Night for the 2022 Nigeria Prize for Literature, Science and Literary Criticism, organised by the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) on Friday night in Lagos.

He, therefore, emphasised the need to encourage innovations in food security, eradication of hunger and poverty, securing raw materials for domestic and foreign exchange so as to see the nation develop.

“Way back when humans were primarily hunters, they saw the need to cultivate and grow plants and livestock for sustenance, and then as an exchange for other goods.

“With increased success, cottage industries bloomed and that principle of survival has still not changed after millions of years,’’ Obasanjo said.

He expressed delight that the NLNG’s choice of science prize theme being ‘Innovations in Food Security’, describing it as being appropriate.

“As a farmer, I am really impressed with NLNG’s choice of this year’s science prize theme being ‘Innovations in Food Security’.

“In my view, agriculture is the most ancient and proven industry for mankind.

“What I am saying is that agriculture is synonymous with human survival and development.

“We need to encourage innovations in food security, eradicate hunger and poverty, secure raw materials for domestic and foreign exchange, and we will see the nation develop.’’

He thanked the Board of Directors and Management of NLNG for the tremendous achievements the company has recorded over the years as a corporate entity, contributing to nation-building since May 1989.

“I have had the joy of witnessing NLNG’s coming-of-age story; in your maturity, you seek to pull our nation to the height you have attained.

“I enjoin all stakeholders to support NLNG in all its aspirations to help in building a better Nigeria.

“Let other corporate organisations take learnings from NLNG as well,’’ the former president said.

The NewsZenith reports that the recipients of the 2022 Nigeria Prize for Science were pair of Dr Muhydideen Oyekunle/Dr Shehu Ado and Dr Sesan Ayodeji/Dr Emmanuel Olatomilola.

Their respective works are entitled ‘Gains in Grain Yield of Released Maize (Zea Mays L.) Cultivars under Drought and Well-Watered Conditions’ as well as ‘Development of Process Plant for Plantain Flour’ respectively.