The traditional ruler of Uzi-Amizi autonomous community Olokoro in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, Eze Cyril Ogbenna says that genuine farmers in the country are being sidelined from government agricultural support programs.
He said that those tilling the soil to feed the nation are being sidelined when it comes to grants and loans, while the office-bound agricultural officers and politicians who have no business in agriculture enjoy the packages.
Eze Ogbenna, who spoke to journalists at his palace this week, also raised concern about the persistent attacks on farmers by alleged herdsmen, warning that it would further aggravate the food and economic challenges the nation is facing.
He warned that the killing of farmers and other villagers in Benue, Plateau and destruction of crops in farms in the South East were major challenges to food security.
Eze Ogbenna challenged security agencies in the country to locate, arrest and neutralize criminals allegedly hiding in forested areas.
“Why is it hard for security forces to comb these forests and arrest the attackers? Are these forests invisible?
“Who would produce food for Nigerians if local farmers are continually killed, displaced, or discouraged? Those farmers that refused to back out were made to pay tax and other levies to terrorists before they could gain access to their farmlands. Will the Indians or the Chinese come and farm for us?” He asked.
He criticized agricultural institutions and research centers for failing to fulfill their mandate despite receiving significant government funding.
“People spend years studying agriculture but prefer white-collar jobs. That tells you that something is wrong”, said Eze Ogbenna.
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