By Abdurafiu Kelani
The current economic crisis in Nigeria can only be mitigated by aggressive diversification from oil to agriculture.
Hence, the need for Muslim youths and Nigerians in general to take agriculture seriously and return to the farms.
A Professor of Insurance and Actuarial Sciences at the University of Lagos, Tajudeen Yusuf, made this recommendation at the Quarterly Public Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State, held at Ishefun Olohunda Praying Ground, Ishefun, Lagos on Sunday, 30 June, 2024.
Prof. Yusuf urged individuals, organizations, corporate bodies and the government to prioritize agricultural value chain as a game-changer for the economy.
“To stem the tide of hunger, we must go back to farming. Everyone should be proud to be a farmer. We need to go back to the farm. Many of our youths are riding okada in Lagos leaving their farms in the village and the way out is to go back to the farm in order to boost food production,” he said.
He said factors such as the fear of unknown, uncertainty about profit margin, loss and economic imbalances, are the major hindrances discouraging many people from going into agricultural practices.
Prof. Yusuf, who is the President, Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (IIFP), suggested collaboration among individuals, groups and organizations to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
He also highlighted three ways to reduce the effect of the current economic crisis as; skill acquisition by artisans through training and retraining to boost their capacity, agricultural practice through extensive farming and institution of Zakat and Waqf programme for redistribution of the wealth amongst the citizens.
Among the dignitaries that graced the lecture were the Executive Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Mr. Jelili Sulaimon, Baale of Atapa Adeniyi Kingdom, High Chief AbdurRazaq Soetan and the Amir General, Council of Chief Imams, Alimosho Federal Constituency, Sheikh Issa Musa Arikewulo.
