Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the recent general election, has highlighted Nigeria’s position among the top 20 most hungry nations globally.
This assertion stems from Nigeria’s ranking of 109 out of 125 countries on the global hunger index.
Obi made these remarks during a private Ramadan visit to Kebbi State, where he was welcomed at the Government House by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that Nigeria’s poverty and hunger stem from the Federal Government’s failure to comprehensively invest in agriculture. He advocated for targeted investments in the North, which boasts vast arable land suitable for both peasant and mechanized farming.
Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s status as having the highest number of uncultivated land globally, coupled with a significant population of unemployed youth. He suggested that these resources could be utilized to drive extensive agricultural investments, potentially creating millions of direct and indirect job opportunities in the country.
Additionally, Obi announced plans for direct Ramadan feeding of 100 indigent individuals and the commissioning of a borehole in Kahuta village, located behind Dukku Army Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.
“This is a private visit, not political. We are here to offer support with water and some financial assistance,” Obi stated.