A former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, decried the non-continuity of the agricultural programme he initiated during his regime, Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), after he left office as Head of State, saying the initiative would have further enhanced the nation’s food sufficiency had his successors sustained it.

Obasanjo was the nation’s Head of State from 1976 to 1979. During his regime, he introduced OFN to ensure food sufficiency.

The former president stated this during the 62nd Founder’s Day and the launch of a new production line of FanMilk and Danone celebration held at Eleyele, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Obasanjo acknowledged the French Government’s investment in Nigeria, adding that it has greatly enabled food and human security over the last 60 years.

He believed that the nation’s food initiative would have further enhanced food sufficiency in Nigeria if sustained until now.

While reiterating the need for the country to invest in livestock farming, Obasanjo called on Nigeria’s President to pronounce Oyo State as a dairy centre.

He added that the state has potential in livestock and dairy production.

Speaking, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, promised a continued enabling environment for business and investment thriving in the state.

Bayo Lawal, who credited the 150 million Euros investment of FanMilk-Danone Company in Nigeria, especially in Oyo State, promised substantive provision of security for the facility through the deployment of federal and local security to enhance production and nutrition for every citizen of Oyo State.

The governor said: “This has been around for 63 years and we are still counting. We recognize the impact of FanMilk. It is firmly entrenched in our system and it is heartwarming that despite the challenges that we have in Nigeria, you still believe in the Nigerian state by investing so much money.

“This also means again that the production line is changing from what it used to be to a modern production line, which is adding value to our nutrition. So, we say thank you for making this provision of quality nutrition for our young and old population.

“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, let me also assure you because the policy of this government is to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and, to that extent, we give you firm assurance on security around this facility. And we will provide other infrastructural facilities so that you won’t be hindered in the operations of these facilities.

“As we all know very well, the Oyo State government is … with our road network, electrification, and I believe that around this corridor, you have adequate lighting, both in the day and at night, in such a way that you are fully secure. As I came in, I observed that our local security outfit, Amotekun personnel, are already around.

“We are here to mainly give further assurances that whatever you need in terms of support from the Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner for Trade and Industry, as well as other commissioners, tap on their doors for anything you might need from the Oyo State government so that we can together form a partnership.

“On this note, let me congratulate FanMilk for this epochal project, which is establishing a new bottom line that is sine qua non in the history of Nigeria. This is one of the best milk productions in Nigeria.

“Baba is here to show that he is keying into it and lending support so that the world would know that a personality like him is in attendance at this project.”

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, represented by the Head of Trade Promotion Commission, Abuja, Barrister Aishat Remi, called on investors to embrace commitment, resilience, and dedication for investment expansion.

The minister maintained that the Nigerian government would strengthen its ties with the French government for economic collaboration.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of FanMilk, Ms. Veronica, said the company, established 62 years ago, will continue to provide nutrition through its old and new production lines to the development of Nigeria, including human skill development, employment, and an expansive economy for local and industrial companies.