Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari wednesday in Abuja called on all Nigerians to embrace agriculture to ensure that Nigeria would be able to feed itself in a few years.
The president, who spoke during the breaking of Ramadan fast with traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, appealed to the royal fathers to encourage their followers to cultivate the lands available to them.
He said: “We must in few years time, at most, be able to feed ourselves. You should therefore encourage your followers to get ready and grow enough food to feed ourselves. Tell our people who have lands to cultivate them even if it is to feed their family only.”
Buhari noted that he assumed office at a difficult time in the history of the country with security and economic challenges.
While saying that his administration was making progress in the area or security, he said the economic challenge was caused by the neglect of the agriculture sector for oil.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Said Abubakar III, in his vote of thanks, urged all Nigerians to protect the integrity of all because God was not wrong when he put everybody together in the country.
He said those beating the drum of division would fail.
He said the nation would overcome its current challenges in the nearest future with commitment from all.
While praying for God’s guidance and good health for the President as he leads the country, the Sultan said it was the duty of Nigerians to continue to pray for all leaders and the country for the desired peace.
“The traditional rulers council will continue to support the president in his drive to leave a legacy that future generation will be proud of,” he promised.
Those who attended the event included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Sultan of Sokoto, Said Abubakar III; Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Gbom Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo; Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.
