Business
World Bank Official Harps On Grassroots Dev
A senior official of the World Bank- assisted Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) in Nigeria, Mr Abubakar Musa,has urged the Federal Government to channel more resources to the development of the rural areas.
Musa, a rural development worker and member of the CSDP’s federal support unit, told newsmen in Abuja that equitable distribution of resources would reduce poverty at the community level.
He noted that emphasis on development of state capitals and the FCT, rubbed a large percentage of the population living in the rural areas of development due to dearth of basic amenities for better livelihood.
“It all boils down to the will of the leaders if the leaders can be selfless and really start development or allocate the resources that we were endowed with equitably to all the facets of our states, communities and local government, I think we will go a long way.
“ I see the presence of government show evidently in Abuja but when you go to the communities, total absence of governance and the people are really yearning and crying, for some basic things to really manage their lives and it’s absent.
“Development cannot just start and end only in the capitals of states and federal government like in Abuja the thing should be start from the grassroots; the government should really give more attention to the communities.’’
He said that government needed to live up to its responsibilities in providing access to basic health services, water and accessible roads.
“All these things are inadequate and in some cases, absent at the local communities and the needs of the people are so modest.
“When you provide them with healthcare, water and power services you have a lot of livelihoods springing up; people will have income.
“So it is pertinent for the government to really look inwards and not neglect the rural communities.’’
Musa also noted that rural to urban migration would be easily stemmed if good infrastructures were made available at the grassroots.
He said that surveys indicated urban residents’ willingness to return to villages with adequate social amenities, due to the high cost of living in the cities.
“If facilities are easily accessible at the rural communities, I don’t think we will have the pressure we have in cities and urban centres where these services are inadequate and overstretched.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
