The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shield Africa Sustainability and Development Initiative, Mrs. Osenaga Orokpo, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action to address the growing food insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, Orokpo stressed that the country’s population dynamics make the food crisis even more pressing, warning that failure to act could lead to a dire situation.
“These challenging times hit Nigeria harder due to our population. If we don’t take immediate steps, we are heading toward a disaster,” Orokpo said.
She emphasized that the core mission of Shield Africa is driven by five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, gender equality, and climate action.
According to Orokpo, agriculture plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, particularly in alleviating hunger and poverty.
Orokpo also commended the launch of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro-pocket by the President Bola Tinubu-led government, a program aimed at enhancing food security. “These efforts are essential to boost production, increase productivity, and improve the incomes of farmers,” she noted.
To further support the agricultural sector, Shield Africa announced the launch of the Agri-preneur of the Year Awards.
The initiative will grant N2 million each to young entrepreneurs in the agricultural value chain, empowering them to scale up their operations and contribute to food security.
“It’s time to recognize and award the efforts of our young farmers who are responsible for producing the food that sustains us. This project underscores the importance of boosting agriculture in our quest to achieve zero hunger,” Orokpo added.
Through these initiatives, Shield Africa aims to encourage the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs while contributing to the broader goal of achieving food security in the country.