Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged increased investment in agriculture to address Nigeria’s deepening hunger crisis.
Obi made the appeal on Thursday during a visit to Mary Agro Farms in Omughu, Obeleagu-Umana, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The visit followed his participation in the Peaceland University conference in Enugu a day earlier.
Reflecting on the farm’s progress, Obi said, “Between the time I visited their pilot scheme in Udi over two years ago and supported them, and yesterday, when I visited their permanent site, I was delighted to witness a remarkable transformation that underscores their commitment to excellence and growth.”
He praised the farm for expanding its operations and adopting innovative agricultural practices, describing these as critical to ensuring food security in Nigeria.
In support of their efforts, Obi announced a ₦20 million donation to Mary Agro Farms, emphasizing the importance of backing productive initiatives during challenging times.
“In line with my tradition of supporting productive ventures, I donated ₦20 million to the farm. I hope they will continue to remain innovative and productive, especially during this critical period of severe hunger, food scarcity, and inflation in our nation,” he said.
Highlighting the severity of the hunger crisis, Obi cited a recent United Nations report projecting that 33 million Nigerians could face severe hunger by 2025. He also referenced a Save the Children International report predicting that 5.4 million Nigerian children are at risk of acute malnutrition within the same timeframe.
“For a nation already battling severe hunger, these alarming statistics call for immediate action. I continue to urge governments at all levels to take measurable steps toward investing in food production to mitigate the ongoing food crisis,” Obi said.
He concluded by commending the management and staff of Mary Agro Farms for their dedication to agriculture and their resilience in maintaining productivity amidst the challenges facing the sector.
