Author: Adeleye Adeyemi

Cholera: LP urges Sanwo-Olu to stem spread

Cholera: LP urges Sanwo-Olu to stem spread
Cholera
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party in Lagos State has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intensify efforts at controlling the spread of cholera , especially to schools.
The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Olubunmi Odesanya, who made this plea in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the state government must work hard and give the epidemic the required emergency response.
Odesanya said: “Labour Party in Lagos State is calling to question the responsiveness of the state government to the current cholera epidemic in the state, the scourge is fast spiralling
“LP Lagos State is upset that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government has not accorded the problem the kind of response it should.
“So far ,the government has not done more than a mere issuance of advisory.
“Has the government looked into the remote and direct cause of the disease with a view to abate the spread of the dreaded disease?Time for action is now”,he said.
Odesanya said that the state must do everything possible to avoid needless deaths.
“The reported figure of deaths is over 40 and infection rate is about 400,” she said.
According to her, residents cannot afford an uncontrolled spread of the epidemic as they are already grappling with many socio-economic problems.
Odesanya added: “The Labour Party in Lagos State has continued to watch with amazement the less-than-warm attitude and disposition of the state government to the issue.
“To us in the Labour Party, it seems the state government does not appreciate the threats posed by the continued spread of the disease.
“Rather than tackle this very serious matter frontally by activating the heath systems to tame the scourge, the best the Sanwo-Olu -led government has been able to do is to issue an ineffectual advisory, which has not ,in anyway, curbed the spread of the scourge .”
She urged the state government to ensure provision of clean and potable water to residents as a way to stop the spread of the epidemic.
The LP spokesperson said that the state must also take steps to ensure the environment is clean and safe.
“The festivities just ended and our children are back to school. The fear of our hapless children contacting cholera is there”,she said.
Odesanya said that the Labour Party commiserated with families of those who had lost their loved ones to the epidemic.
She prayed for full recovery of patients down with cholera
The publicity secretary urged residents to also adhere to good health and sanitary precautions to stay safe. (NAN) (www.nannws.ng)
AYO/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 21, 2024
Lagos PDP state exco ratifies Adewale’s suspension,party chieftain kicks

Lagos PDP state exco ratifies Adewale’s suspension,party chieftain kicks
Suspension
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the indefinite suspension of a former State Chairman of the party, Chief Segun Adewale (aka Aeroland).
The party ,in a letter dated June 19 and signed by the State Secretary, Mr Soji Orioye, said the resolution was taken at the party’s executive meeting on Wednesday .
Orioye said the committee made the resolution upon receipt of letters of suspension of Adewale from his ward and local government area( Alimosho Local Government Area )and after due diligence.
He said Adewale’s ward and local government area notified the state executive committee of the party about his suspension in a letter dated June 12.
Orioye said that his suspension followed alleged acts of misconduct, including breach of the party’s constitution, diversion of election funds, and anti-party activities .
“That State Executive Committee of the Party notes with regrets that the body is already in receipt of several petitions against the same Mr Segun Adewale wherein he was alleged to have taken some prominent leaders of the party to court.
“This, he did, without exploring the conflict resolution mechanism of the party ,which action ordinarily amounts to a fundamental breach of the party’s constitution.
“The state exco further takes judicial notice of Mr Adewale’s disdain and disrespect for the Constitution of the Party, as well as all other constituted organs of the party.
“This he did, using the Nigerian Police to arrest and harass some prominent party leaders and the principal officers of Alimosho Local Government Exco- his own local government,” Orioye said.
He said that the party’s State Working Committee was mindful of its constitutional responsibilities to the party.
According to him, the committee in strict compliance with the principle of fair hearing as guaranteed in the Constitution of Nigeria and as contained in Section 57 (5) ofthe Constitution of our great Party (2017 amended version), gave Adewale an opportunity to defend himself.
He said that this was through a letter of invitation, dated June 12 ,to a fact- finding meeting.
Orioye said that Adewale shunned the invitation and failed to take advantage of the window of opportunity to defend himself.
“That failure to appear personally or through a counsel before a panel of enquiry without any legal excuse or any formal apologies to attend the meeting and defend himself over such heinous allegations becomes an undefended case.
“There is therefore, a natural presumption of guilt to the levelled allegations ,hence his decision not to honour the invitation.
“That in order to instil discipline, maintain orderliness as well as to defend, uphold and advance the supremacy of the constitution of our great Party- PDP, the State Executive Committee of the party in Lagos State after an extensive deliberation on the matter, had no other option but to ratify the suspension of Mr Adewale as carried out and passed from his ward and local government.
“That accordingly, Mr Segun Adewale (alias Aeroland) is hereby suspended from our great party – Lagos State PDP in accordance with section 57, Subsection 3 and Section 58, subsection (A), (B), (D), (I) and (L) of our Party’s Constitution (2017 Amended Version)”he said.
Confirming the letter in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Lagos State PDP Chairman, Mr Philip Aivoji, said that the decision to suspend former state chairman was jointly taken by state exco.
“it was the decision of the entire exco, ” Aivoji told NAN on telephone.
Reacting, Adewale said that the party’s constitution only allowed suspension of any party member or leader from the ward ,claiming he had not been suspended by his ward for any alleged act of misconduct.
“It is unfortunate that leaders and exco that are supposed to be suspended from the party for working against the PDP in the 2023 general elections are the ones suspending me that stayed to defend the party and its votes.
“I am still in the party, I am still the South West ex-officio of the party, representing Lagos in the zone and the national body has not removed me.
“The national body is even asking me and begging me to stay.
“The premise on which the state exco is talking of suspension is faulty because the constitution states that I must be suspended from my ward and there is nothing like suspension from my ward,” he said.
Adewale said that instead of publishing the report of his suspension in the media for sensationalism, the state executive should proceed to the zonal level and then the national level, to actualise their plan.
“If the suspension is real and not for sensationalism or propaganda, the letter should be sent to South West zone of the party and the national leadership in Abuja.
“They should take the suspension letter to Abuja now. They should notify the national body of PDP and Southwest Zonal exco of the party, not the press. We are waiting for the letter.
“They can suspend but it is the national body that will ratify it,” he said.
He alleged that the former PDP National Deputy Chairman and life Board of Trustees member, Chief Olabode George had been fingered in “all the drama of my suspension”.
“The reason for the suspension is because I took Bode George up and keep challenging him for always trading away the party every four years on the eve of elections,” Adewale said.
He said that he didn’t show up at the state executive disciplinary committee when invited because its membership were full of those that worked against the party in the last elections.
“He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. They are the ones we are supposed to be suspended because they worked against the party,” Adewale said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 21, 2024
Rep mourns Bankole, ex-Lagos APC official
Late ex Lagos APC Welfare Officer

Late Bankole will be solely missed— Rep. Raji
Condolence
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Wale Raji , representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ,has expressed sadness over the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole, a former Welfare Officer of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that Bankole ,who recently celebrated her 60th birthday,died while performing the 2024 Hajj in Mecca,Saudi Arabia.
Raji, in a statement in Lagos on Thursday ,said that the late politician was a prominent indigene of Epe and a resourceful member of Wale Raji Think Tank .
“Alhaja Ramota was a committed, dedicated, and hard working party stalwart ,who stopped at nothing to get results on every task assigned to her.
“Her death is going to be sorely missed in the political and community circle where she was serving and impacting.
“We pray God grant her family and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss and grant her eternal rest.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 20, 2024
Ojelabi mourns ex-Lagos APC Welfare Officer
Late ex Lagos APC Welfare Officer

Ojelabi mourns ex-APC Welfare Officer, Alhaja Ramota Bankole
Death
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC Chairman in Lagos State, has expressed sadness over the death Alhaja Ramota Bankole,a former Welfare Secretary of the party in the state .
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that Bankole died in Mecca, Saudi Arabia after performing the 2024 Hajj.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) the APC Chairman described Bankole’s death as devastating and unfortunate.
Ojelabi said that the late politician was a very resourceful and dependable party member, who implemented all tasks given to her diligently and satisfactorily.
“On behalf of the entire members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, we condole with the Bankole Family on the demise of Alhaja Ramota, the former Welfare Officer of our party here in Lagos.
“We pray that the Lord will give the family, the APC as a whole and all the loved ones she left behind the fortitude to be bear the loss, ” the APC boss said.
Ojelabi said the memories of late Bankole would linger on because of her great contributions to the party at the state and at the grassroots level.
The party chieftain prayed that the Almighty Allah would grant her Al-Janat Firdaus. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji
June 20, 2024
Lagos APC former executive dies in Mecca,party mourns
Late Ramota Bankole, Ex Lagos APC Welfare Secretary

Lagos APC executive dies in Mecca,party mourns

Death
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the death of its former Welfare Secretary, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, as unfortunate and shocking.
Bankole, one of the Lagos APC women leaders from Epe Division, died while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Publicity Secretary of the party in the state , Mr Seye Oladejo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that late Bankole was a committed member of the party.
“Her death is most shocking and unfortunate. She was a committed and experienced party leader.
“The deceased was a proven mobiliser and inspiration for women participation in politics. May her precious soul in peace,” Oladejo said.
NAN reports that the Chairman of Epe Local Government ,Ms Surah Animashaun, had on Thursday confirmed Bankole’s death .

Animashaun, in a statement , said that the deceased was hale and hearty before leaving the country for Hajj pilgrimage.
She said: “it is with a heavy heart, and a deep sense of grief that I received the news of the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole.
“It is a sad day indeed as I received the news that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on holy pilgrimage.
“I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members and the entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear sister and mummy”.
NAN learnt the deceased celebrated her 60th birthday recently.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Edited by Buhari Bolaji

June 20, 2024
We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman
Chief Kamorudeen Ajisafe, PDP’s South West Zonal Chairman and National Vice Chairman (South West)
We must restore peace to Rivers, says PDP Nat. Vice Chairman
Rivers

By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A National Vice -Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kamoru Ajisafe, has called on party stakeholders to do everything possible to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the Rivers chapter.
Ajisafe ,also South West Zonal Chairman of the party,made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the crisis was getting out of hand ,urging stakeholders to take urgent steps to bring about peace in line with the party’s constitution.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the state has been engulfed in political crisis since the early period of Governor Fubara in office, a fallout of the battle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for control of the political structures in the state.
Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), still wields enormous political influence in the state, which Fubara, backed by Wike to win last year’s governorship election, appears poised to whittle down.
Local government chairmen elected when Wike was governor , are still loyal to him. They had vowed to stay in office at the expiration of their tenure, saying the state House of Assembly had extended their tenure by six months.

The crisis-ridden 31-member House of Assembly is divided, with an overwhelming majority of 27 of them who claimed to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), backing Wike.
A policeman was killed on Tuesday as some youths attempted to dislodge the Chairman of Omuma Local Government,a Wike loyalist, at Eberi-Omuma.

Reacting to the development, Ajisafe said political actors and stakeholders must act to end the crisis through strict adherence to the relevant provisions of the PDP’s and Nigeria’s Constitution.
“My response to this Rivers political crisis is that the players and stakeholders in the party should follow the dictates of the Nigerian Constitution and of our party.
“If we can apply the grundnorms, it will resolve all these contentious issues. The actors and key players are already dancing in the arena.
“”There must be peace in Rivers, we have no option.
“This democracy, we should not forget that some people dissipated their energy and lives to bring it to us. We should not allow their sweats to go down the drain.
“We should not underestimate anything. We should not abort this democracy that we have had in the last 25 years,” Ajisafe said.
He alleged that some people, who had traded away membership of the party, were still inside troubling the peace within the party.
“One thing that I cannot trade away is my membership of the party and I will always stand by what will benefit the party.
“If there are options on the table, we should pick the one that will favour the party, PDP. Fubara is the governor on the platform of PDP and this is clear,” the said.
Ajisafe said towards ensuring lasting peace,the party must identify the genuine members of the party in Rivers and those are not.
He described the killing of a cop and vigilante in the clashes between pro-Wike loyalists and youths loyal to Gov. Fubara on Tuesday at the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in the state as unfortunate.
“When there are agitations, no matter how small, our prayer is that we should not have casualties,” he said.
Ajisafe expressed optimism that Gov. Fubara, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, had moved to do the right thing for peace to reign.
He said that the police must also step up their game to douse agitations and prevent any further ‘collateral damage’.
On implication of the leadership crisis on the party, Ajisafe said that no one should take PDP for granted.
“In politics, you win some and you lose some. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. You can’t be here and there,” he said(NAN) (www.nannewa.ng)
AYO/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

June 20, 2024
Giving hope to indigents not for government alone–Foundation
Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation handling pack of food to an indigent woman during the just-concluded Eid el-Kabir festival in Lagos.

Giving hope to Nigerians not for govt alone- NGO
Hope
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation, says providing hope to indigent and disadvantaged Nigerians should not be a task for government alone.
The Founder, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Agbebiyi noted that many citizens across various communities were in search of hope, which could be provided by well-meaning Nigerians ,both at home and abroad.

She said that her foundation was created out of the need to support those in need .
According to her, the foundation started out officially on June 25, 2023 ,and will commemorate its first anniversary on July 10.

She added that the NGO would be re-launched and an office unveiled on the the anniversary , with the theme: “Inspiring hope, Transforming lives”.
Agbebiyi said that the foundation had the vision to combat the scourge of poverty that had continued to limit the potential of women (widows, single mothers).owing to lack of access to resources.
She said that the re-launch and the unveiling of office in Ikeja ,Lagos, would give the foundation a platform to share its vision, introduce initiatives and provide opportunities for collaboration and engagements.
“Our desire is to bring these women out of devastating situations through our various economic empowerment initiatives.
“Our mission is to create a world where these persons ,regardless of their background or circumstances ,can have access to essential resources and support.
“We look for a world where women can make significant contributions in the home and in the society at large.
“Driven by this passion, we are not just committed to upholding the principles of charity and social justice in our work, but also strive to make these positive impacts by promoting education and healthcare access in underserved communities.
“One family at a time, until our impact is felt across Nigeria and beyond its shores,” Agbebiyi said.
The founder said that the foundation was dedicated to helping the poor with special focus on indigent women and less privileged children in the society.
She added: “With determination as our driving force, we embarked on a journey of transformation.
“As a steadfast advocate for change, we have partnered with corporate organisations and individuals to rewrite the story of the marginalised, nurturing a future built on sustainable development.”
Speaking further on the birth of the organisation , Agbebiyi said that the foundation started with project L.E.A.R.N- (A Street to School Initiative).
“What began as a passion to provide support for indigent women in local communities is slowly evolving into a multi-faceted empowerment and endowment initiative which has continued to expand.
“At inception, the foundation embarked on a mission to empower indigent women with the resources they need to reach their full potential.
“But it is taking a step further by delving into uplifting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them not only free education, but also providing them with educational materials to aid learning.”she said
According to her, with reports of school age children roaming the streets increasing at an alarming rate , the foundation decided to join hands with government to bring down the scary number.
“We are full aware of the various factors responsible for this; from insecurity to poverty, ignorance, gender inequality, religious and cultural influences among others.
“Our goal is to give the needed educational support to out-of-school children and disadvantaged young people.
“Every child deserves education in a clean and safe environment. This is our unwavering commitment to their educational journey.
“In the last 12 months, The TABITHA-ABIMBOLA Foundation has written an inspiring story of impact. Spurred by the testimonies of transformation of lives and guided by our unwavering dedication to humanity.
“We have touched the lives of women and children, wiping away their tears and putting smiles on their faces,” she said.
Agbebiyi said that with “Project Feed” ,the foundation had fed many families through the distribution of food items with the recent one tagged “iléyá food pack”
She said that it was carried out in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Miss Moremi Ojudu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/OJI/BHB
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Buhari Bolaji

June 20, 2024
Nigeria’s commitment to good governance morale booster for investors – PAAC chairman
Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman of the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce
Nigeria’s commitment to good governance morale booster for investors – PAAC chairman
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAAC), says Nigeria must show more commitment to good governance to attract investors and transform the economy.
Onabanjo made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
“Governments should demonstrate their commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability.
“This will build confidence among investors and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development,” he said.
Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, said that government has roles to play in enhancing the development potential of economies of the country and the continent.
“Governments play a crucial role in creating an enabling policy environment that promotes economic development.
“They should showcase their policy initiatives aimed at attracting investments, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering innovation.
“Governments should highlight investment opportunities in various sectors of their economies and provide information on incentives, regulations, and infrastructure development plans.
“This will attract potential investors and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, also called for a public-private partnerships in driving economic development.
“Government should showcase successful collaborations between the public and private sectors, and encourage further engagement,” he said.
He said that individuals, organisations and governments had specific role to contribute to enhancing the development potential of African economies.
Onabanjo equally noted that Nigeria had significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which must be developed to bring back the economy.
“Nigeria’s efforts to increase access to clean and reliable energy create opportunities for investment in the renewable energy sector,” he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming trade and investment conference in the United States of America, Onabanjo said that the conference would allow for engagement with the Nigerian diaspora and the African-American community.
The conference with the theme “Hope for Africa” being organised by the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Sept. 9 to Sept. 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
“This engagement will also facilitate knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and skills development, supporting economic growth and development.
“The conference will provide a platform for Nigerian businesses to network with African-American entrepreneurs and explore potential partnerships, trade opportunities, and investments.
“This will lead to increased trade and economic growth for Nigeria,” he stated.
He said that the conference would give opportunity for knowledge sharing, global exposure, cultural exchange, capacity building, network and collaboration, trade and investments, promotion of African brands and products.
The PAAC chairman said: “The conference will feature panel discussions, workshops and presentations on business, entrepreneurship and economic development.
“It will equally lead to increased trade partnerships, investments, and business collaboration, promoting economic growth and job creation in Nigeria and across Africa.” (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
AYO/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

June 18, 2024
Food security: Veteran actor advises S/West Govs
Lere Paimo

Food security: Veteran actor advises S/West Govs
Farmers
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) A Veteran Yoruba actor, Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has urged South-West governors to collaborate and take measures to restraint killer herdsmen to ensure food security in the region.
Paimo, the Oyo State-born Nollywood actor and a National Awards holder, who made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, spoke on the way out of the current socio-economic, inflation and food crisis in the country.
The octogenarian said that with adequate security, infrastructure, and motivation for farmers, the South-West has the capacity to feed its people and the entire nation.
“Let every South-West governor control activities of herders, who always clash with farmers. This has sent many away from their ancestral farms, and the attendant hunger is staring us in the face.
“The herders have brought a lot of losses to many farmers by making their cattle to feed on farms while some farmers have also lost their lives in the process. Many have left their farms over this.
“This is very bad. Each governor has the authority and power in their various states to ensure that herders are tamed for people to have confidence to go back to farm without fear of any loss.
“People are suffering and hungry because many people have deserted farms because of security. If we want food security like before, we need to do something in the direction.
“Let each governor in the region take it as a personal responsibility to ensure stiff penalties for any herder who leads his flock to feed on people’s farm,” Paimo said.
The actor advocated ranches for herders as part of efforts to turnaround current food crisis.
“We must take actions now to ensure security in the region especially for farmers to enhance food security.
“South-West has enough arable land to growth its food and also feed the entire nation.
“The herder-farmer clashes is creating a lot of fears for the farmers in the region and our leaders must take urgent action before it will be too late,” he said.
According to him, since cattle rearing remains personal business of individuals or groups of people, efforts should be made by the government to ensure farmers are not affected.
He said that the government must provide a place in each state or local government for herders to rear their animals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/OJI/IKU
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Tayo Ikujuni
June 18, 2024
Hunger: APC diaspora chieftain tasks S/West governors on investments in farming

Engr. Bola Babarinde

Hunger: APC diaspora chieftain tasks S/West governors on investments in farming

By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Mr Bola Babarinde, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, says South-West governors must engage in strategic investments, leveraging technology and ensure coordinated effort among stakeholders to enhance food security.
Babarinde, also the Deputy Director of the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Campaign Council, Diaspora Directorate in 2023 governorship election, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Calling for action among governors in the region, Babarinde said that achieving food security in the South-West should be paramount among leaders in the region.
“The South-West region of Nigeria has become excessively dependent on other zones for its food supply, a situation that demands urgent attention and strategic intervention.
“With vast arable lands and a favourable climate, the region has the potential to not only achieve self-sufficiency but also become a significant player in agricultural exports.
“Drawing inspiration from countries like Israel and the Netherlands, which have leveraged technology to maximize yields from limited arable lands, the South-West can employ modern farming techniques to enhance productivity.
“By adopting advanced agricultural technologies, the region can improve the quality and quantity of its produce, ensuring food security and generating foreign exchange through exports,” he said.
The APC chieftain noted that despite the potential, the focus of South-West governors remained fixated on federal allocations.
According to him, this oversight neglects the substantial revenue that could be generated internally from the agricultural sector.
He said that historically, the Western region thrived on agro-exports, particularly cash crops.
“Today, however, it (South-West) struggles to meet basic food production needs, a situation that poses an existential threat to regional security.
“To address this crisis, the Dawn Commission and the six South-West states, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu must urgently formulate and implement a comprehensive agricultural development plan.
“This plan should leverage Lagos’s financial capabilities and the abundant arable lands in neighbouring states.
“Massive investment in agriculture can meet the growing food demand in urban centers, particularly Lagos, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,“ Babarinde said.
He added that the Western region once boasted numerous ranching and dairy production settlements.
According to him, reviving these practices can tap into the vast market for food products, ensuring a steady supply to the urban populace.
Babarinde noted that despite the availability of land and labour, achieving self-sufficiency in food production remained elusive.
He linked this to a significant lapse in governance and resource management.
He said that by prioritising agriculture, the region could ensure its food security, generate significant revenue and create a sustainable economic future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
June 18, 2024