President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration is set to make Nigeria a leading hub for agricultural exports by 2025.
He said that his administration was committed to empowering citizens to become agents of economic prosperity.
The President made this declaration while inaugurating the “Earn from the Soil” campaign during the National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
At the event, “Road to South-South”, the president who was represented by Mr Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, said that the inauguration of the project Earn from the Soil was a powerful declaration that Nigerians were committed to turning non-oil resources into collective prosperity.
He said the project was a food security initiative capable of transforming subsistence farming into robust, export-driven economic opportunities.
“We are not seeking traditional aid from our partners but strategic support that transforms our economic ecosystem,” said the President.
He urged local and foreign investors to invest in the South-South region, which he said was open for business just as the whole of Nigeria was ready for it.
“We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation and sustainable growth.
“Our young people and women in particular must embrace this opportunity to be self-reliant.
“This is a charge to the young people from the South-South: You are the backbone of the transformation that is about to begin here.
“Your energy, creativity, and determination will drive Nigeria’s economic revolution,” said Tinubu.
He added that the initiative could revolutionise the country’s agricultural landscape, ensuring national food security.
“In this wise, the vision of my administration is clear: By 2025, we will position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation.
“To this end, my administration will give necessary support to the implementation of the laudable project ‘Earn from the Soil’ to achieve its set objectives,” said the President.
Tinubu said the unveiling of the National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda was also a strategic blueprint for national development with the South-South region at the forefront of economic renaissance.
“This region is very blessed in natural resources beyond oil and gas.
“Apart from its rich culture, the South-South is blessed with extraordinary human capacity and talents in many fields of human endeavors that have done our country proud globally.
“When we properly harness the human and material resources, this region has the potential to embody the transformative potential of Nigeria,” he said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Gift Johnbull, said the National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda served as a convergence for dialogue, innovation and action.
“It echoes the spirit of national unity and collaboration, reaffirming our collective resolve to address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities,” she said.
“This convergence is a movement – a call to action for every individual here to play a part in shaping the future of not just the South-South Region alone, but Nigeria at large.
“To our investors and business leaders, this is your moment to recognise the South-South as a hub of untapped potential.
“Partner with us to unlock opportunities that benefit not just this region or the entire nation, but the whole of Africa and the world at large,” the Presidential aide said.