By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
Kaduna State recently hosted a landmark summit organized by the Arewa Think Tank, where key political figures emphasized agriculture's pivotal role in Nigeria's economic resilience.
Themed "Agricultural Perspective of Nigeria in the Last 64 Years of Independence," the one-day event brought together the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and other notable leaders.
Discussions delved into Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges and pathways to sustainable growth. Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa shared his vision for securing the nation’s future, while Governor Abdullahi Sule elaborated on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" agenda.
The summit highlighted the need for a strategic shift back to agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development.
Governor Uba Sani expressed optimism in Tinubu's policies, underscoring their focus on democracy, development, and diaspora engagement.
He called for patience, assuring participants that current reforms, though challenging, would yield long-term benefits.
Reflecting on Nigeria's 64-year journey, Governor Sani lamented the country’s over-reliance on oil, which led to neglect of agriculture.
He urged national leadership to reprioritize the sector, reminding attendees of its historical importance in building infrastructure and human capital during the early years of independence.
Silas Agara emphasized the NDE’s commitment to addressing unemployment through people-driven initiatives under the "Renewed Hope" framework, advocating for agriculture as a sustainable solution to the nation's pressing issues.
The summit concluded with a call to action for collaborative strategies to revitalize agriculture and reposition Nigeria as a leading economic hub.
