Nigeria`s hope lies in agriculture, says South Africa-based don

A Nigerian medical doctor based in South Africa, Prof. Patrick Oluboyo, says only agriculture offers the country a viable and prosperous future.

Oluboyo, the Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Walter Sisulu University, said this at Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, in a paper to mark Nigeria`s 55thindependence anniversary.

“ Nigeria is blessed with more than 300 million square metres of arable land or 1.9 per cent of world arable land.

“ If this land is properly utilised, Nigeria can feed Africa. Our leaders should put in place policies that will make us harness our agricultural potentials,“ he said.

Oluboyo also said that Nigeria was blessed with human and natural resources for greatness.
“ We need categorical, futuristic and strategic plan to achieve the greatness,“ he said.

Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to nation building.

Okeke, represented by Mr Mohammed Zannah, Deputy Consul General, said the Mission would provide immigration services to Nigerians resident in different provinces of South Africa.

She said the mission also approved the Nigerian identity card project for Nigerians living in South Africa to get their data and provide services to them.

Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union in South Africa, also urged Nigerians resident in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to obtain the identity card.

“ The identity card project was developed with the cooperation of the Consul General.

“ It is aimed at getting the data of Nigerians in South Africa and contains features in the national passport,“ he said.

Anyene said Nigerian professionals in South Africa were doing well in their chosen fields, adding that the union was proud of them.

Dr Samuel Odunze, Mthatha Ward Chairman of Nigeria Union, said the Independence Day celebration took place late because it coincided with a working day in South Africa.

“ The event of Oct. 1, 1960 lives on because the labour of our heroes past, shall not be in vain.

“Nigerians living in South Africa believe in unity and diversity. In our diversity, we remain united,“ he said.