The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) convened in Owerri to address the pressing issue of food scarcity in Nigeria, attributing it squarely to the dual crises of open grazing and rampant banditry plaguing the nation. President General Goodluck Ibem underscored the profound impact of these challenges on the country’s food security landscape, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“In recent times, influential figures within Nigeria have orchestrated a deliberate and sinister agenda aimed at undermining the efforts of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ibem stated firmly. “This agenda is evident through the sponsorship of terrorism, banditry, and targeted killings of farmers, which disrupt agricultural activities and exacerbate food shortages.”
COSEYL’s condemnation of these actions as “shenanigans” highlights their view of such activities as unpatriotic and destabilizing to national security. Ibem called for immediate action from President Tinubu, urging the deployment of all available security forces to combat terrorism and banditry, which pose significant obstacles to agricultural productivity.
“The crux of the matter lies in addressing the insecurity that prevents farmers from safely cultivating their lands,” Ibem lamented. “Without security, food production suffers, leading to inflated prices of essential food items that burden Nigerian families.”
He further implored President Tinubu to prioritize the establishment of modern ranching facilities as a crucial step towards curbing the destructive impact of open grazing. “This measure is essential to protect farm yields from encroachments by pastoralists and to secure our food supply,” Ibem emphasized.
The economic toll of these security challenges is stark, with skyrocketing food prices straining Nigerian households. Ibem stressed the need for effective security measures, arguing that only by addressing terrorism and ensuring safe agricultural practices can the nation hope to alleviate the hunger crisis.
“In times of adversity, decisive leadership is paramount,” Ibem urged passionately. “We call upon President Tinubu to mobilize our security apparatus fully to dismantle terrorist networks and their sponsors who profit from our collective suffering.”
COSEYL’s appeal resonates deeply amid escalating hardships for ordinary Nigerians, exacerbated by disruptions in agricultural activities. The organization emphasized the importance of national unity in confronting these challenges, reaffirming their commitment to initiatives promoting food security and economic stability.
As the discussion evolves, COSEYL remains steadfast in advocating for policies that safeguard farmers, enhance food production, and prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians. Their message is clear: only through concerted efforts to eradicate insecurity can Nigeria regain its agricultural prosperity and ensure equitable food access for every citizen.
In conclusion, COSEYL’s concern over Nigeria’s food scarcity crisis reflects broader anxieties about the nation’s stability amidst ongoing security challenges. Their call for decisive action underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address insecurity and protect agricultural livelihoods.
