Presidential aspirant in the ruling All Progressives Congress and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday challenged Africa to produce what it eats and reduce its dependence on external countries.
He spoke at a conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments holding in Abuja.
Osinbajo said COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, brought about food insecurity in Africa, stressing that there was need for Africa to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
He stressed that Africa must produce what it eats, noting the need for increased collaboration in handling issues in Africa.
He noted also that institutions like parliaments needed strong leadership.
“If there has ever been a time where strong parliaments are needed, it is now,’’ he said.
Also addressing the conference, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank, hailed the African speakers for their efforts to organise it.
He said the conference was a place where challenges facing Africans should be raised and solutions proffered.
Adesina said the next pandemic was around the corner and Africa must not outsource resources, adding that she must build health defence mechanisms by developing local vaccines.
“We must encourage Africa-based vaccine manufacturing and legislations must be designed towards this.
“The war in Russia and Ukraine has led to a looming food crisis; legislation must be made to boost food production. Africa must feed itself and do so with pride,’’ Adesina said.
Mr. Mohamed Ali, Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti and chairperson of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Unions, said it was time to focus on the youth.
“We should rely on our youths because they have shown capacity for innovation,’’ he said.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
