Rita Odafe
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has expressed concern over Nigeria’s excessive dependence on imported products, particularly highlighting the neglect of agriculture. He warned that if this situation does not change soon, Nigeria might find itself importing palm wine, a traditional drink, from China.
During a pre-convocation lecture at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Uzodinma emphasized the urgent need for significant investments in agriculture to strengthen Nigeria’s declining economy.
Despite having a large population and fertile land, the Governor noted that Nigeria struggles to provide food for its citizens and jobs for the youth.
He stated, “Any nation that cannot provide for its own people is not truly sovereign.”
Uzodinma believes that agriculture is crucial for national development and security, lamenting the shift away from agriculture following the discovery of crude oil, which led to a decline in the agricultural sector that once supported the nation.
“We embraced petro-dollar and neglected agri-dollar,” he remarked, highlighting how the instability of crude oil prices has overshadowed agriculture as the primary source of foreign exchange.
Represented by Education Commissioner Professor Victor Nwachukwu, the Governor urged his colleagues to adopt the agricultural strategies of the late Michael Okpara to restore agriculture as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
Uzodinma also urged regional associations like Ohanaeze Ndigbo to focus on funding research for advanced agricultural practices in Igbo land.
“I believe every Igbo person wants to see the revival of our local livestock and poultry, as well as our prized raffia palm trees that produce the finest palm wine,” he stated, forewarning that failing to act may lead to importing local delicacies from abroad.
Furthermore, the Governor criticized agricultural university lecturers for not engaging in practical farming alongside their teaching, questioning their knowledge of the produce they consume.
He called on agricultural universities to lead innovations, create new machinery suited to local farming needs, and educate farmers on modern techniques to enhance productivity.
Uzodinma advocated for the creation of agro-processing facilities to add value to Nigeria’s raw agricultural outputs, stating that it doesn’t make sense for Nigeria to export raw cocoa only to import expensive cocoa products.
He concluded that strong agricultural success would accelerate national development, leading to food security, job creation, poverty reduction, and overall socio-economic stability.
“Agriculture is vital for national growth, affecting economic stability and environmental health,” he added.
The Governor referenced Malaysia’s transformation into a leading palm oil producer and exporter, contrasting it with Nigeria’s struggles to feed its population even during peacetime, despite Ukraine’s ability to excel in wheat exports under war conditions.
