A non-governmental organisation, Lions Club International, District 404B4 Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government to tackle security challenges in the country.
The club’s District Governor, Mr Samson Abodunrin, made the call while addressing newsmen during a news conference ahead of the district’s first convention, with the theme: Our District our Focus, on Thursday, in Abeokuta.
According to Abodunrin, the situation has prevented farmers from accessing their farms which remains a potential threat to food sustainability in the country.
He said that finding a lasting solution to insecurity would enable farmers to safely return to their fields without fear and produce enough food for the country.
He also harped on the need for the government to subsidise agricultural equipment to farmers as well as support them with machinery and fertiliser for them to be more productive in food production.
He added that the government should look into engaging NYSC members in agriculture as other means of addressing food security challenges in Nigeria.
“Due to insecurity in Nigeria, farmers can no longer farm. A tuber of yam which used to be N200 now sells for between N1000 and N2000.
“The government needs to approach this hunger issue, they must wake up on three aspects. The first aspect is to secure lives and properties-to create security across the land; to give hope to those farmers across the villages.
“The second approach is to provide machinery- fertilisers and agricultural implements are highly subsidised and also provide storage facilities in order to combat wastage of food produce.
“I want to recommend that we go back to 1960 during the late Awolowo farm settlement camp that gave birth to Cocoa House and also focus more on agriculture by going back to land farming.”
According to Abodunrin, as part of efforts to support the federal government in combating hunger in Nigeria, the club has fed over 15,000 households, including the less privileged and public school pupils.
“When we came on board, we pledged to put food on the tables of 15,000 households. We also promised to feed public school students who go to school with empty stomachs. I want to tell you that we are already exceeding the figure,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club’s five global causes include reducing the prevalence of diabetes and improving the quality of life for those diagnosed.
Preventing avoidable blindness and improving the quality of life of the blind and visually impaired people; and ensure that all members of the community have access to nutritious food.
The club also serves to help children affected by childhood cancer to survive and thrive.
It also supports in empowering the youth, as well as protect and restore the environment to improve the well-being of all communities.
