Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN has called on the government to encourage youth entrepreneurship skills through
Agricultural extension centers and demonstration farms.
The Forum in a 16 point communique issued at the end of its 3rd National Conference, with theme Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, food security and Sustainable growth in Nigeria, which held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the country’s capital at the beginning of the week, also pointed out the urgent need to strengthen Agricultural institutions and linkages with relevant research centers.
The communique which was signed by Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Deputy National Chairman, North), FFDGN, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, ( Deputy National Chairman (South), FFDGN, as well as Comrade Chris Alozie Akomas, the National Chairman, FFDGN, also urged the government to create Agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs while community vigilante groups will complement the National security.
While calling on the Federal Government to strive to depoliticize Agriculture in the country by prioritizing community data bank of genuine farmers in all support programs, the forum encouraged government to introduce modern technology in agriculture, including equipment, high yield seeds and seedlings to boost food production.
The communique, which also called for the revamping of the Bank of Agriculture, to live up to its responsibilities, posited that entrenching good governance in the country is imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
A total of five papers were presented in the 2-day programme which include, The Renewed Hope Agenda: Prospects and Challenges by Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami; Stabilizing the Economy: Policies for Sustainable Growth and Development by Prof. Uche Uwaleke; Incumbent and Predecessor: Completing Projects and sharing ideas by Dr. Afolabi Olowookere; Ensuring Food Security: Taming the Challenges and Exploring Innovative approaches to Agriculture by Prof. Nuhu Gworgwor, as well as Project Sustainability and Completion as a Panacea for Effective Development by Prof. Habu Mohammed.
In his closing remarks the Convener of the 3rd National Conference of Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, Comrade Chris Akomas, lauded the participants as well as the resource persons for their presentations which he acknowledged to be rich and innovative saying they have made very serious inputs, contributions, and key suggestions, which will be impactful as well as will change and turn things around.
He reiterated the preparedness of Forum members to make useful suggestions and inputs towards achieving a country whose citizens are comfortable in their country, because of good governance they experience even as he had insisted that achieving a country of our collective dreams, requires the collective effort of all, pointing out that this is what is meant by nation building
