Ex-president Buhari, Emir of Damaturu urge Nigerians to prioritise agriculture
Ex-president Buhari, Emir of Damaturu urge Nigerians to prioritise agriculture
Story from Ayuba AHMAD
Former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Damaturu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi Ibn Elkenemi, have appealed to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant by engaging in farming activities and food production.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday shortly after joining Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at Daura Eid ground, former president Buhari described the increasing number of Nigerians that are turning to farming and food production as a positive development that will enhance the country’s self-sufficiency.
He said, “I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up.”
The former president expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying it will bring a lot of problems to future generations noting: “There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
Speaking to members of the National Youth Service Corps, who have maintained a tradition of paying homage to him every Sallah, Buhari said “The scheme continues to be a strong fabric holding the country together and I will want successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.”
He described the NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of State.
As it is the tradition annually, the former president gave a cow, ten bags of rice, and some cash to the NYSC members to celebrate Sallah.
In a related development, the Emir of Damaturu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi Ibn Elkenemi, has called on the youths to engage in farming activities to guarantee their economic prosperity and self-reliance, pointing out that government alone cannot provide employment for every citizen.
Speaking in his Sallah message in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital on Sunday, the monarch also emphasised the need for youths to engage in small-scale businesses to cater for themselves and contribute to the economic advancement of the country.
The Emir also stressed the critical role of education in the development of the society.
He, therefore, implored parents and guardians to enroll their children in Western and Islamiya schools.
He charged the people of the state to continue praying for peace and good governance, progress and a bountiful agricultural harvest in the state and country at large.
Alhaji Shehu Hashimi Ibn Elkanemi commended the state governor, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, for his untiring efforts in providing good governance, as well as ensuring security for the safety of citizens and their properties across the state.