Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called upon Nigerians to engage in subsistence farming as a means to combat the challenge of escalating food prices across the country.
He made this appeal during a meeting with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Abuja.
Addressing the gathering, Onanuga highlighted historical precedents and current government efforts in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of individual contributions to alleviate the prevailing economic strain.
He stated, “In 1976, former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation,’ promoting farming. In 1984, when former President Muhammadu Buhari came in, there were shortages of rice, milk, and sugar, and the government had to open warehouses to make these items available to people. This is not the first time we are going through this kind of crisis. The government is investing in agriculture to make things available and affordable, and as individuals, we also have a role to play.’’
Acknowledging present hardships, Onanuga assured that tangible improvements would manifest within the next 12 months as a result of ongoing governmental interventions.
“Though people complain about hardship, I told the BBC that cost of living crises exist globally. Maybe what is happening in the world is a cycle, and countries will have to go through certain difficulties. We are going through it, but this government is making serious efforts to reduce the hardships faced by our people,” he added.
Moreover, Onanuga affirmed the commitment of the presidential media team to fostering a robust relationship with ACOE for the effective dissemination of news aligned with international standards of journalism.
In response, Martins Odiete, Chairman of ACOE, underscored the pivotal role of accurate information dissemination in society, especially in the digital age.
Odiete said, “In an age where information flows ceaselessly across digital platforms, this partnership is pivotal for ensuring accurate, responsible and effective dissemination of news and information. By working together, we can ensure that the information reaching the public serves the greater good of society.”
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration, Odiete emphasized the association’s diligence in ensuring the responsible flow of information to the public, safeguarding against misinformation by maintaining rigorous membership standards.
(NAN)
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