Last week, amidst the backdrop of a productive joint committee meeting with the House of Representatives and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, a resolute dedication to ensuring food security for all Nigerians was palpable. This commitment, unwavering and steadfast, extends wholeheartedly to supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding our nation’s agricultural landscape.
In a pivotal moment reflecting this dedication, I had the privilege of joining forces with Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State and the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, at the inaugural ceremony of the 2023/2024 Dry Season Aerial Spray to Combat Transboundary Quelea birds. These avian intruders, notorious for wreaking havoc on agricultural yields across Nigeria, pose a formidable challenge to our nation’s food security.
The quelea birds, with their migratory patterns spanning over 10 million square kilometers of semi-arid, bush, grassland, and Savannah regions in Africa, represent a significant threat to our agricultural productivity. However, through collaborative initiatives like the dry season aerial spray, we can effectively mitigate their impact and safeguard our agricultural landscapes.
Indeed, addressing the multifaceted challenges surrounding food security demands proactive and concerted efforts. It is events such as this, marked by the unwavering commitment of leaders like President Bola Tinubu, that underscore the importance of collective action in overcoming the agricultural hurdles facing our nation.
As Senator Saliu Mustapha rightly emphasizes, our ability to secure the future of Nigeria’s food supply hinges upon our willingness to unite in purpose and action. Together, we can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Babs Adesanya
LV