Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,says Nigerians are hungary on account of the soaring food prices in the country which is hitting hard on the mass of the people .
He implored the federal government to consider proactive approach to take Nigerians out of poverty.
He spoke in Meiran, Lagos during the 2022 edition of Odo Erelu Festival,where he stated that the recent statistics stating that Nigeria is ranked 103 out of 121 countries in hunger level is serious, considering the fact that the country is blessed with arable farm lands, human and material resources.
He emphasized the need for urgent intervention,even as he noted that the survival of all human beings depends largely on the food they eat and consume.
“In Nigeria today, there’s no denying the fact that there is hunger in the land.Prices of food items and other consumable products are out of the reach of ordinary Nigerian citizens.What this means is that there is no
food security in Nigeria.Sadly, there is a big lacuna between the availability of food and individuals’ ability to access it in Nigerian markets.
For instance, the United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security, describes food security as a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. However, this is not the case with Nigeria.Prices of food items in Nigerian markets are not stable.
“Majority of Nigerians usually groan at the rate at which prices of food and other items go up.This is a big issue that needs urgent intervention because our lives as human beings depend largely on the food we eat and consume.There is need for the Federal Government to introduce a lasting policy programme that will boost and enhance food production and also check its attendant effect.
“Cases of bandits and kidnappers killing and kidnapping farmers in their farms should be curtailed.Our price control mechanism must be stable,so as to give both the producers and the consumers the needed leeway to work and operate together without much trouble.
“There should be reforms in the agric sector. Farmers across the country should also feel safe and secured both in their farms and also in getting credit facilities.This is the only way out of this austerity and hardship that have been ravaging the country.”
Adams,also spoke on the need to celebrate the Yoruba deities and ancestors, saying the celebration of Odo-Erelu Festival is the group’s efforts at rekindling the hope of the Yoruba in celebrating their culture and tradition, pointing out that Odo-Erelu, like every other rivers in the south west have healing powers.
The Onimeiran of Imeiran kingdom, Oba Samuel Adewale Oroja,spoke about the healing prowess of Odo- Erelu,saying indigenes including residents of the ancient town had benefitted greatly from the river.
“I am happy to tell you that many people have testified to the power of God through Odo- Erelu here in Meiran town.Honestly,we need to appreciate the Aareonakakanfo for celebrating all the deities that had long been abandoned in Yoruba land.
“Aare is a messenger of God.Those of us that are very close to him marvel at the way he gets things done.I appreciate the loyalty and commitment of all members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in promoting the ideals of the group.