Rotary international urges goverment to focus on agric

The District Governor, Rotary International, District 9125, comprising 23 states in Nigeria, Dr. Mike Omotosho yesterday advised the Federal Government of the need to shift focus away from crude oil to agriculture.

Omotosho, who addressed the media yesterday at Rotary Centre, GRA Ikeja, on a book: “My Dream, Nigeria,” to be authored by Nigerians, said proceeds from the book, would be spent to sponsor a project termed: “Crude oil to Palm Oil project,” which is going to be an establishment of Africa’s largest palm plantation.
“There is overdependence on crude oil and we need to shift focus away from crude oil,” Omotosho maintained.

Expatiating on the book, Omotosho said it was time for Nigerians to begin to dream of the type of a nation they desire and how to actualize this.

The Rotary boss thus used the occasion to invite well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of age, financial class and status in the society to contribute to the book, his or her dreams for Nigeria in about 50 to 300 words, with entry closing on April 24, 2016.He added that 12,000 entries would be picked in the final selection, which would be compiled to be produced as the world thickest book.

“You have the opportunity of being in the Guinness Book of Records and for anyone who has his entry picked, becomes a co-owner of the Guinness record and the Africa’s largest palm plantation,” he said.

Omotosho further disclosed that only 1,000 copies would be produced to be distributed to relevant authorities where those dreams would be implemented.
“We have collected entries from prisoners in Kuje Prisons, primary school pupils, secondary school students, bank workers, among others.

According to Omotosho, entries could be sent as a hard copy, through e-mail to: mydreamnigeria@rotaryfourwaytest.org. Contributors can also submit through a portal, click and submit, the link being www.rotary.fourwaytest.org/my-dream-nigeria. It could also be followed on social media,” he said.

The Rotary District 9125 Governor, also urged Nigerians to embrace the 4-Way Test of Rotary International, which according to him can be profitably applied in homes, personal life, businesses, governance, on national as well as international issues.

Omotosho added that embracing the 4-Way Test, which includes: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? And will it be beneficial to all concerned, would go a long way to effecting attitudinal change as well as paving way for emergence of better culture in the nation.