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The Federal Government has called on the media to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigerians on the need to embrace agriculture and promote food security in the country.
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated this at a workshop for Agriculture Correspondents on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Abuja.
The workshop, with the theme “Building Strong Partnership with the media for Food Security”, was organised by the Department of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He underscored the importance to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigerian populace on the need to embrace agriculture.
Ogunbiyi said that the Ministry recognised the importance of effective communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing in achieving its lofty objectives.
He said the event had become expedient, given the emphasis the present administration placed on agricultural development and the priority it attaches to the attainment of food security.
“This workshop is, therefore, a critical step towards fostering a deeper understanding of our Ministry’s activities, programmes and projects among media correspondents for proper reportage.
“The importance of Agriculture in our national economy cannot be over-emphasised, especially with the global economic challenges and the need for diversification of our economy.
“There is therefore, the need to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigeria populace on the need to embrace agriculture,” he said.
Speaking, Dr Joel Oruche, the Director, Department of Information, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for stronger partnership with the association to actualise the ministry’s mandate on food security, employment generation among others.
“Essentially, as we make effort towards ensuring food security in our dear country, it is important that we forge a strong synergy to ensure that this is achieved.
“Your duty in this regard is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programmes and activities of the ministry that impact on farmers.
“Small holder farmers indeed depend on your ability to educate them on methodologies, inputs availability and application of implements that can enhance their yield,” he said.
In a presentation, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr Deola Lordbanjou, said that food was a critical issue that is impacting the well-being and economic stability of any nation.
He said that the theme of the workshop underscored the critical role that media partnerships play in promoting food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
“The extension advisory services provide technical advice on best agricultural practices, helping farmers optimise their productivity,” he said.
Lordbanjou said the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) is an ongoing innovative initiative aimed at revolutionising agricultural extension delivery in the country.
He said that the NEEP was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture to provide real-time market information to farmers, helping them make informed decisions.
“Weather updates and alerts assist farmers in planning their activities and optimising their productivity.
“NEEP will offer services such as market information, weather updates, farm inputs, extension advisory services, and a feedback mechanism to bridge gaps between farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
“This platform will serve as a transformative tool for enhancing agricultural extension delivery,” he said.
In another presentation, Mr. Ishaku Buba, the National Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), said the scheme had registered farmers nationwide.
He said it was done through the use of ICT to promote transparency, accountability and ease assessment or evaluation of impacts.
By Doris Esa
