ALL the states in the South-East geo-political zone have been accused of showing indifference to the looming scarcity of food items in the region.
The allegation came from a Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Chinedum Nwajiuba, who warned that if real measures were not taken to boost food production and security in Nigeria and the South-East in particular, there would be hunger in the zone.
Nwajiuba, who is also the Dean of Postgraduate Studies of the institution, made the assertion at the weekend during the 5th inaugural lecture of the school with the theme: "Does agriculture have a future in South-East Nigeria".
According to him, despite all the pledges by governments of the states to boost agriculture, the reality showed that they were paying lip-service to the sector. The don, therefore, called for the real replication of mechanised agriculture and farming as demonstrated by developed countries.
Governor Rochas Okorocha was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Anwukah, at the lecture, which was attended by Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof. Bertram Nwoke; his counterpart at Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Prof. J. I. Okonkwo; Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Donatus Ozoemena, representing the Speaker of the Assembly, Ben Uwajimogu; former Chief Press Secretary to erstwhile Imo State governor, Bright Nwelue; Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie and Sam Ezeanyika.
Nwajiuba raised some posers: "Where shall we be in 20 to 30 years? What type of regeneration programme do we need to have to increase agricultural yields in Nigeria? We have to take this issue seriously".
Since climate change experts had warned of high rains accompanied with windstorm and coastal erosion, Nwajiuba advocated the promotion of horticulture, livestock production, among others, to protect the environment.
"There could also be basis for horticulture for environment protection purposes, the reason being that livestock economics is more robust than conventional crop production. Nigeria's reliance on traditional cattle herdsmen for beef is not sustainable", he declared, warning the people and governments of the South-East to be mindful of reliance on cattle being brought to the region. "Food security must be taken serious", he noted.
The 48-year-old professor noted that from his Ph.D programme in a German university, he had come to a conclusion that the future of Nigeria hangs on the balance if serious measures were not in place to take agriculture out of its current state.
Okorocha said Nwajiuba had made his marks in his field having travelled to several continents for research, teaching and community service.
He promised to ensure that the lecture was given a two-hour broadcast on the state media.
The vice chancellor said Nwajiuba was chosen to deliver the lecture because of his contributions to research and teaching.
The Guardian