- …speaker hails initiative
Anambra state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has urged citizens to adopt agriculture as a means of eradicating hunger, rather than resorting to unnecessary protests.
The governor launched the “Farm To Feed Campaign” in Amansea, Awka North local government area, an initiative aimed at banishing hunger in the state.
He emphasised that this programme is a positive step towards advancing the state and country’s development.”
“We are here as part of our own response to the issues surrounding hunger. While others in some places are protesting, Anambra state is not protesting. I want to thank our youths and everyone who is going about their businesses. We are here to take positive steps to move the state and country forward.
“Our people are not participating in the protest, not because they don’t feel the pain, but because they want to be part of the solution. The youths want to embrace their destinies and I want to commend you for that. This is citizens’ action against hunger in partnership with the government. We want to turn our challenges into opportunities.”
The governor revealed that his administration had already distributed over one million palm and coconut seedlings, with a target of ten million seedlings before the end of his government.
“The farm-to-feed campaign is a simple partnership deal to end hunger within the next 12 months.
“The citizens have a lot to do, including public servants. The only job allowed by the constitution for public servants is farming.
“I agree there is hunger in the land…do something about it.
“If everyone starts producing, the pressure on food prices will reduce. Turn every vacant piece of land to farm, rent a space if you can, but plant something.
“Here in Anambra, we will continue to do more and not protest against the government”.
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“Ndị Igbo aren’t protesting because they believe in hard work.
“We’ve seen far worse conditions before, but we are resilient people, and by a dint of hard work, we shall prevail,” Soludo said.
The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze said that Soludo had contributed immensely towards the eradication of hunger in the State through lofty agricultural reform strategies.
He said the launching of Operation Farm to Feed campaign by the governor was part of his efforts in promoting agriculture to improve food production and also enhance their economic profile.
Udeze described Soludo as an Apostle of the former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, the late Dr. Michael Okpara
He noted that during Dr.Okpara’s regime, agriculture was the major economic base of Igbo and Nigeria at large
The speaker expressed satisfaction that Soludo was replicating the gains of the era in the State.
He called on affluent citizens to complement the efforts of Soludo in fighting hunger in the state through heavy investment
Udeze assured that the State Legislature would continue to give necessary support to Soludo’s wonderful agricultural revolution in the State through bills and motions