Atiku explains how agriculture can aid diversification

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday urged Nigerians to embrace modern agricultural techniques to ensure economic diversification and sustainability in the country.

Abubakar made the call in Enugu on Tuesday at the 6th Annual Congress of the African Veterinary Association and the 53rd meeting of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.

The former vice-president warned that Nigerians would not achieve the desired diversification of the nation’s economy by going back to ancient agricultural method.

“The opinion of going back to agriculture should not be to the ancient agricultural method but the modern one. We must know the meaning of diversification and its benefits before we embark on it. Its achievements are numerous.

“There is the need for diversification of the economy but with measures and focus. Government should, therefore, endeavour to make agriculture attractive to its citizens,’’ he said.

Abubakar also said that some African countries depended on a single commodity which was mainly natural minerals whose prices were determined by the international market.

The APC chieftain, however, urged the associations to enhance professionalism among them and adhere strictly to modern professional techniques adding that they should not narrow their views toward raising animals alone.
Declaring the congress open, Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said that the state was ready to partner with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association to ensure diversification of economy in the country.

Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo , said that the country could not achieve its goal in diversification of its economy without the contributions of the association.

“As it is, you have much role to play in improving Nigeria and the world economy and its sustainability; therefore, I wish you will bring forth the solution to the dwindling economy through this congress.

“Government is always ready to support you to ensure that the citizens enjoy the benefits of agriculture and livestock products,’’ he said.

In his speech, the President, African Veterinary Association (AVA), Dr. Faouzi Kechrid, said the congress was poised toward developing and sustaining the African economy.

“I am happy that this congress is holding at the time that the whole world is undergoing economic recession and it is time we seek solutions to it,’’ he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Nigeria Veterinary and Medical Association (NVMA) Dr. Edgar Sunday, said that the congress had the capacity to turn around the bad economy of the country.

“Our economy is facing many challenges and we have the capacity to change the situation with determination and the right step and that is what we are here for.

“I, therefore, look forward to a successful deliberation toward improving Nigerian, African and the world economies at large,’’ he said.

The four-day congress has : Towards Economic Diversification and Sustainable Development in Africa-as its theme.