Senator Saliu Mustapha Calls for Focus on Agriculture in Local Government Councils

Date: 2024-09-07

As reported by Voice of Nigeria, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has advocated for prioritising agriculture within local government councils across Nigeria.

Speaking at the dinner and award night hosted by the Correspondence Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, Senator Mustapha emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to reassign the core responsibilities of Local Government Areas (LGAs) to agriculture. He highlighted the critical role the agricultural sector can play in revolutionising the nation's economic development.

Represented by his aide and senior lawyer, Abdulkareem Alabi, Senator Mustapha, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that agriculture should no longer be treated as secondary or left exclusively to private enterprise.

Focus on Agriculture

Instead, the Lawmaker urged for a nationwide strategy where local governments are constitutionally mandated to focus on agriculture as their primary function.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it holds the key to addressing unemployment, food insecurity, and rural developments” Senator Mustapha stated.

“For too long, our local governments have been distracted by peripheral responsibilities. It is time we refocus their energies on what really matters – agriculture and rural developments.”

He argued that local government areas is closer to the grassroots, are in a prime position to facilitate agricultural development and rural transformation, both of which are crucial for food security and economic growth.

According to Senator Mustapha, Nigeria's reliance on oil revenues has not only left the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations but also stunted the growth of its agricultural sector, which remains the largest employer of labor in the country.

By institutionalising agriculture as the central focus of LGAs, the senator believes Nigeria can unlock vast economic potentials, improve livelihoods, and ensure sustainable development.

“In India as in Brazil, the local government plays a crucial role in agriculture. Brazilian municipalities are deeply involved in managing rural extension services, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring that smallholder farmers have access to resources. This model has contributed to Brazil becoming one of the world's largest agricultural producers, particularly in soybeans, sugar, and beef.”

Senator Mustapha noted that these international models demonstrate how empowering local governments to prioritize agriculture can yield significant dividends.

He said countries like India and Brazil have transformed their economies through localised agricultural development, meaning that Nigeria could replicate these successes if it realigns its focus.

 

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Yahaya Seriki     Olabode Towoju     Ibrahim Sulu Gambari     QuickWin     Ilorin.Info     Mohammed Abduraheem     Abdullahi Biffo     Olatunde Oyeyiola     Muhammed Akanbi     Michael Imoudu National Institute For Labour Studies     Islamic Development Bank     Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital     Bukola Saraki     Special Adviser On Digital Innovation     Charles Ibitoye     Ajayi Okasanmi     AGM Professional Services     Mutawali     Ibrahim Abduquadri Abikan     Imodoye Writer’s Enclave     Matthew Okedare     Gbugbu International Market     Danhawa     Christopher Odetunde     Ajakaye     Rex Olawoye     Col. Ibrahim Taiwo     Kazeem Adekanye     School Of Nursing     Kwara State University Of Education     Olaoye B. Felix     Ejidongari     Abdulwasiu Bolaji Adeyi     Matthew Babaoye     Moshood Bakare     Abdulrazaq Sanni     Sulyman Atolagbe Alege     LAK Jimoh     TIC     Bluenile Associates     Balogun Ajikobi     Dogara     Isiaka Alikinla     Sulyman Abdulkareem     Yetunde Balogun     Hamidu Olowo     Oro Grammar School Old Students Association     Belgore     Kwara State Governor     Bolaji Abdullahi     Okin Biscuits     Ilorin General Hospital     Shehu Salau     Okin High School     Peter Obi     Benin Republic     Sai Kayi     Tunde Saad     Alfa Modibo Belgore     KWASEIC     AbdulRazaq Abubakar Jiddah     SARS     Oba Of Jebba     Shehu Alimi Foundation     Ilorin Likeminds Foundation     Ayoade Akinnibosun     Dairo Kunle Paul     AbdulQowiy Olododo     Ibrahim Abikan     Kwara Primary Health Care Development Agency     Garba Ayodele Wahab     Bisi Kristien     Akanbi-Oke     Segun Adeniyi     Kwara State Fire Service     Toyin Olayinka Tejidini     Rafiu Ibrahim    

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Michael Imoudu National Institute For Labour Studies     Road Transport Employers Association Of Nigeria     College Of Health     Kwara State Television (KWTV)     Gbemi Saraki     Kwara State Sports Commission     Oyun     Sidikat Alaya     Magaji Erubu     Ado Bayero     Funke Adedoyin     Quareeb Islamic Association     Ahmad Olayiwola Kamaldeen     Saka Adeyemo     Ilorin South     Sobi FM     Savannah Centre For Diplomacy, Democracy And Development     Maryam Nurudeen     Binta Abubakar-Mora     Tunde Kazeem     Ibraheem Abdullateef     Umar Yakubu Jaja     Labaeka     Ilesha-Baruba-Gwanara     Oba Abu     Akom Construction And Engineering Synergy Ltd     Alanamu     CELF     Lateef Alagbonsi     Bello Oyebanji     Adisa Logun     Henry Makinwa     Ekiti     Afolabi-Oshatimehin     Kwara Coalition Of Business And Professional Associations     Samari     Abdulrazaq Solihudeen     Cassava Growers\' Association     Budo-Egba     Ethical College     Women Radio     SSA Youth Engagement     Forgo Battery Company Limited     Tsado Manman     Bello Bature     Musa Ayinla Yeketi     Nigeria Customs Service     Muyideen Ajani Bello     Opobiyi     KWIRS     Dele Belgore     Adaramaja     Budo Egba     Toyin Saraki     Shuaibu Yaman Abdullahi     Funmi Salau     Bolaji Abdullahi     Sheriff Shagaya     Durbar Festival     Lanre Jimoh     Adijat Adebiyi     Elections     Centre For Digital Economy     Vishvas KOZ Tractors     Susan Modupe Oluwole     Chartered Institute Of Personnel Management Of Nigeria     Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board     Aso-ofi     Hassan Taiye Salam     Stephen Fasakin     Khairat Gwadabe     John Kehinde Salako     Borgu     Minister     Adesoye     Labour Party     AbdulGafar Tosho