THE Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has attributed the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests to the country’s neglect of agriculture, emphasizing that a return to farming is essential to combat hunger.
Speaking in Awka today during the launch of the state’s ‘Operation Farm to Feed Campaign,’ Soludo described the initiative as a collaborative effort between citizens and the government aimed at eradicating hunger in Nigeria.
He noted that the youth in the state are determined to take control of their futures by seeking solutions rather than participating in mass protests.
Soludo explained that Anambra chose not to engage in the ongoing nationwide protests because the state believes in transforming challenges into opportunities.
He stated, “While protests are occurring in various parts of Nigeria, Anambra State remains peaceful, and I want to commend our youths for maintaining calm and continuing their daily activities. All markets in Anambra State are open.
“The youth have decided to take charge of their destinies and are taking proactive steps to advance their state and country.
“They are not protesting because they lack awareness of the challenges; rather, they want to contribute to the solution.”
During the event, Soludo passionately advocated for everyone, regardless of their background, to embrace farming as a solution to hunger, emphasizing its importance for ensuring food security in the nation.
He encouraged civil and public servants to get involved in farming, mentioning that his wife, Nonye, who operates several farms in Awka, inspired him to actively participate in agricultural activities.
Recalling the late Sunny Okosun’s hit song “Which Way Nigeria,” Soludo lamented that decades after its release, Nigerians are still expressing their frustrations.
“The song by the legendary Sunny Okosun in 1984 resonates as if it were sung yesterday, highlighting that Nigeria has been lamenting for decades, and this issue is not new.
“We have neglected agriculture, overlooked initiatives like ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ and the ‘Green Revolution,’ which has led to our current predicament.
“Today, we are launching a collective citizen action in partnership with the government to finally eradicate hunger in Nigeria.
“It is time to take action, and we are initiating a plan to turn our challenges into opportunities.”
He added, “We experienced the Civil War in this region, facing severe food shortages and kwashiorkor, yet we survived. Now, as hunger resurfaces, we declare that we will not only survive but also help feed the rest of the country.
“I thank the people of Anambra, especially the youths, for choosing to engage in farming instead of joining the protests happening across the nation. We are here to declare that it’s time for action.”