LAGOS ASSEMBLY TASKS PRESIDENT BUHARI ON FOOD SECURITY

– CELEBRATES FARMERS, STATE GOVERNMENT

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, put more efforts in checking insecurity and farmers-herder’s crises.

The lawmakers said boosting security and the relationship between farmers and herders would help guarantee food security and sustainability in states of the federation.

The lawmakers commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his proactiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as his different intervention programmes geared towards food security.

In the motion to commemorate the World Food Day programme initiated by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, (UNFAO), the House noted that agriculture in Nigeria had been affected by the pandemic, a tensed farmer-herder relationship, increasing threats of climate change, rising inflation and severe impact of food security.

The Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and prime mover of the motion, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, noted that the 2022 World Food Day was to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets and raise the importance of food security.

He noted that the country cannot exempt itself from progressive trends.

In his contribution, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, said the day was an opportunity to raise consciousness, look inward and shine light on some of the programmes established to sustain agriculture in the State.

Hon. Femi Saheed also stressed some of the achievements by the State Government adding that the State has cause to celebrate.

He noted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari recorded 60 rice mills.

He further noted the efforts of the Lagos State government with the Imota Rice Mill and the expected Lagos Logistics Hub as he urged other States in the country emulate Lagos to mitigate challenges of food security.

On his part, Hon. Ajani Owolabi lamented that many of the food from farms are wasted during transportation. He urged the country to work hard on preserving cash crops using technology.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, who presided over the plenary, noted the progress Lagos had made in relation to agriculture.

He further urged farmers and government to work on food preservation measures to mitigate the rising challenges of food security due to climate change and its impact like the recent flooding across the country.

He also said that there was need for the federal government to find ways to compensate farmers and residents who have suffered from flooding.