Economic woes caused by neglect of agriculture, says Ogbeh

• Health minister commissions Ebonyi lassa fever test centre

The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh yesterday said that the current economic situation in the country is the result of laziness of Nigerians to go into agriculture.

Ogbeh stated this in Abakaliki during the launch of “One-man one hectare” agric policy of the state government. He said the over-dependence of the last administration on oil and imported goods crippled the country’s economy. He assured that the current government is making efforts to remedy the situation.

The minister added that the last administration imported almost everything, thereby discouraging Nigerians from going into farming. He stressed that the government’s policy on agriculture will assist the country overcome the economic challenges.

Chief Ogbeh commended the agricultural revolution in Ebonyi State and thanked Governor David Umahi for his innovation, adding that this would start a complete diversification of the economy and return to agriculture.

Also yesterday, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole commissioned an ultra-modern virology centre built by the Ebonyi State government in Abakaliki.

The minister, accompanied by Ogbeh lauded the state government for the project, which he said was in line with the health-for-all agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adewole disclosed that the centre is equipped with ultra-modern facilities to diagnose various cases of lassa fever. He pledged the Federal Government’s assistance in the maintenance of the centre.

Governor Umahi at the commissioning of the centre, the planting of tree of peace in Ezillo and the launch of operation one-man one-hectare agricultural programme said the state has made a landmark achievement by restoring peace to Ezillo community.

Umahi said the virology centre was built to tackle the recurring outbreak of lassa fever in the state. He added that the centre, which is the first in the South East region would help combat the disease.