A South Africa-based Nigerian medical practitioner and philanthropist, Dr. Oluwatosin Ademola Ojo, has called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to accord greater priority to agriculture, describing the sector as the foundation for sustainable economic growth, food security, and national development.
Dr. Ojo, an obstetrician and gynecologist, said agriculture remains a lifelong investment capable of transforming the nation’s economy and creating employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, he assured the people of Ekiti State that his annual farmers’ support programme would be expanded beyond the scope of previous editions to reach more beneficiaries and further strengthen agricultural productivity in the state.
According to him, the initiative is designed to empower farmers with the resources and support needed to improve food production and enhance their livelihoods.
He commended the efforts of the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on the recent Renewed Hope Farm Inputs Support Programme (FISP), Phase 1, marking another significant milestone in the efforts of his government to boost agriculture, amongst many others.
Dr. Ojo, who also serves as the APC chairman in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, urged governors across Nigeria’s 36 states to channel greater investments into agriculture, stressing that a vibrant agricultural sector is essential to achieving sustainable economic development and reducing dependence on oil revenue.
He further encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to complement government efforts by investing in agriculture and community development through philanthropic initiatives. He cited his Dr Ademola Ojo Farming and Feeding Initiative and the Sade-Ademola Foundation as examples of platforms committed to improving the welfare of farmers and supporting food security over the years.
The medical practitioner also commended the economic reforms being implemented by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, expressing confidence that they would yield positive results in the long term.
He called on Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that collective commitment and sustained investment in key sectors such as agriculture would accelerate the country’s journey towards economic prosperity and national development.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
