NAN-AE-5
Agriculture
By Kudirat Musa
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2017 (NAN) Synergos Nigeria, a global non-profit organisation, says it is working for the evolution of an inclusive economy in Nigeria through increased youth involvement in agriculture to boost agricultural production.
The Country Director of Synergos, Mr Adewale Ajadi, said this at the diversity dialogue which Synergos organised in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ajadi said: “Diversity is simply the reflection of the humanity; all different, yet the same. It relates to our identities, gender, dispositions, aspirations and epistemology, among others.
“We can use diversity to actively cooperate and collaborate towards a more effective as well as healthy society.
“The larger issue of our diversity is defining the principles of diversity, guiding the framework of our relationship as a country that is aspiring to become a nation.
“This is true in all areas of life and most especially in agriculture, where most Nigerians are employed and have engaged in through generations.’’
Ajadi, nonetheless, said that there were some challenges facing Nigeria’s efforts to evolve a more effective society, using diversity.
“We have large challenges: intra-communal conflicts that include farmers and herdsmen.
“The resources conflict resulting from climate change and drastic weather transitions, and the greater pressure resulting from scarce water sources.
“In Kaduna, Kogi and Benue states where we work on agriculture systems, there have been sparks and conflicts, with lives lost,’’ he added.
Ajadi said that if diversity was to become the nation’s strength and a factor of excellence, “we have to introduce a conscious rigour of thought and application specific to it.
“Some good practices towards exploring diversity will include recognising that we all hold prejudices and it is natural to stereotype but bigotry is a learnt behaviour that becomes a habit and crystallises into identity.’’
The country director said that the dialogue was a platform for positive reflections and explorations of what could be done through constructive, eclectic and disciplined approach to diversity.
Ajadi listed the principles that would guide and drive an effective conversation about diversity as passion for people, principle-centred leadership, open minds, and platinum rules.
He said that others were objective and transparent systems, continuous improvement, value adding and management of intangibles. (NAN)
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