Security: “Hunger indicates danger to faith, wellbeing – Sultan warns
His eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has warned that hunger and lack of food among the populace portend danger to the security, faith and wellbeing of the nation.
The Sultan alerted the Nigerian leaders when speaking as he led traditional rulers to witness the fifth commemoration of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and the launch of the rice festival at Zauro in Birnin Kebbi.
However, he described the rice revolution programmed which was flagged-off by President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015 as successful.
He urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts at uplifting the living standard of the people.
The chief host of the 5th anniversary, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, disclosed that investments in the ABP of the Federal Government has started paying off, with its multiple effects on the economy while also contributing to nation’s food security.
The governor said that the display of massive rice pyramids was a sign that much gains and successes have been recorded in the five years of the programme.
He said: “This is a great testament to the happy journey so far in spite of the devastating effects of the global Coronavirus (COVID-19), pandemic on the economy, flood disasters and other issues”.
According to the governor: “Our hard working populace have been supported by good economic policies by President Muhammadu Buhari, economic Institutions like the CBN, other agencies and other commercial banks.
Bagudu expressed delight that, President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously been supporting the states, as well as the CBN that agricultural financing was no longer a problem to small scale producers in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, commended Buhari and Bagudu, for their uncommon support in the last five years of the ABP.
Emefiele also stated that, the event gave the happy moment to celebrate the gains of the programme, saying: “Kebbi has been an integral part of the ABP”.
The National President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, expressed happiness over what he called the sincere vision and committed of the Nigeria leader.
He noted that ABP has helped Nigeria in eliminating the dependent on importation foreign rice.
He said: “Happily, the Kebbi State Governor and the CBN Governor have translated this commitment of Buhari and that is why we are celebrating today”. According to him the epoch-making event should have been in Niger or Benin Republics.
The commemorative event was graced by both present and former Senators, members of House of Representatives among others including Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.
Others were the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera and other representatives as well as Local Government Chairmen, thousands of Farmers.