Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has confirmed the presidency’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
Onanuga made this statement over the weekend in Abuja while receiving the Association of Corporate Online Publishers (ACOE).
He confirmed that all Nigerians would need to embrace agriculture to combat hunger.
Acknowledging the hardship faced by Nigerians, he assured them of the government’s commitment to alleviating it, and encouraged Nigerians to engage in agriculture to combat rising food costs.
His words: “Currently, things are not working as the president wants, but I can assure you that in the next twelve months, Nigerians will begin to see the results of the government’s efforts for the country’s benefit.
“A lady showed us a basket of tomatoes being sold for ₦4,000, and in Lagos, it is ₦10,000, and in Abuja, it is ₦8,000. I bought a basket of mangoes for ₦1,000 in Ogbomoso, but in Lagos, only three mangoes were sold for ₦1,000. There might be sabotage or profiteering by traders, but the solution is for all of us to engage in agriculture. Let’s start planting something in our yards.
“In 1976, Obasanjo introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation’, promoting farming. In 1984, when Buhari came in, there were shortages of rice, milk, and sugar, and the government had to open warehouses to make these items available to people.
“This is not the first time we are going through this kind of crisis.
The government is investing in agriculture to make things available and affordable, and as individuals, we also have a role to play.
“I will be starting my farm very soon. Everyone should farm. We don’t need to depend on greedy traders who are making us suffer. This is why I am welcoming all of you to my office at the Villa for collaboration. Thank you,” Onanuga concluded.
Onanuga further reiterated the presidency’s support for the formation of the Association of Corporate Online Publishers (ACOE) in Nigeria, established to develop ethical journalism and regulate the proliferation of online media. He pledged the federal government’s collaboration with the association.
Expressing unwavering loyalty to his appointed role, the media aide to the president assured the audience of his commitment to President Tinubu’s vision to alleviate Nigerians from the current economic setback facing the country.
He called on Nigerians to be more patient with the administration while pledging the necessary media support to the visiting editors, ACOE.