Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, issued a stern warning to commodity traders against hoarding and engaging in speculative trading amidst the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to boost food production across the country. His caution came during a special Ramadan lecture/Iftar held in Abuja on Sunday, organized by Mufutau Yinusa, the Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, a non-governmental organization.
The theme of the lecture, “Gratitude, Patience, and Vision: Embracing Challenges with Optimism,” set the tone for discussions revolving around the pressing issues of food security and economic stability in Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the soaring prices of food items, Kyari attributed the challenge not only to the prevailing insecurity disrupting agricultural activities but also to the detrimental practices of hoarding. He highlighted instances where warehouses in crucial commodity areas were found to be stockpiling foodstuffs, sometimes resorting to drastic measures such as removing gates and erecting walls to conceal their activities. Kyari emphasized the shared responsibility in addressing these challenges, calling on all stakeholders to play their part.
Assuring the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring food security, Kyari pledged continued efforts to confront the insecurity challenge head-on.
Earlier in the event, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, urged Muslims to utilize the Ramadan period for prayers for the nation and its leaders. He reiterated the government’s dedication to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to tackle the economic hurdles facing the nation.
During the lecture, Sheik Muhammad Kabir, the Imam of Abuja National Mosque, urged Muslims to reject corruption and actively contribute to nation-building efforts. He stressed the importance of continued prayers and support for the current administration in addressing the country’s myriad problems.
Mufutau Yinusa, the Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted that the lecture was part of endeavors to bolster support for the current administration and engage with grassroots communities. Realwan Okpanachi, the Director-General of Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, expressed optimism, drawing on the leadership experience of President Bola Tinubu, that Nigeria will overcome its challenges.
The event, attended by Islamic scholars, politicians, and Muslims from various backgrounds, aimed to foster dialogue and collective action toward addressing pressing issues facing the nation.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Text Excluding Headline
