Some decades ago, specifically before the discovery of oil in Nigeria, the country prided itself as an agrarian nation. Then, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy. Apart from leading in the production of some cash crops for export, Nigeria was also reputed for the production of food crops in such quantity that many countries in the African sub region, to a larger extent depended on the country. Each region was known for a particular farm produce. For instance, the West was recognised for cocoa production, the East for palm oil while the North was known for groundnut. In addition to individuals' efforts in farming, government also channeled its scarce resources to agriculture in order to among other things boost its productivity. There were farm settlements everywhere and farmers' cooperative societies were established from where loans could be sourced. Not stopping there, government went as far as institutionalising agricultural subsidy wherein all agricultural inputs were substantially subsidised. Produce marketing board was also put in place to regulate all agricultural produce markets, all these with the sole aim of encouraging more people in the farm and ensuring their development and sustainability. Agriculture alone then accounted for 90 -95% employment rate in the country. Up till the moment, there abound living evidences of various infrastructural amenities provided with the proceeds generated from agricultural earnings. For example, the popular Cocoa House in Ibadan, the groundnut pyramids in the North and other developmental projects scattered all over the country.However, with the discovery of petroleum in commercial quantities and its exploitation in the 60s, our story began to change. Many people especially the young ones deserted farming for white collar jobs. To worsen matter, government's attention was completely shifted from agriculture to oil sector. More exploration meant increased revenue, and government officials began to live an extravagant life. Same was extended to the public servants as government of the day under Gowon doled out what was then known as Udoji awards. What this simply meant was influx of people in their thousands from rural areas to urban centres across the country, seriously searching for government jobs. The oil sector was so much attractively packaged that every Tom, Dick and Harry wanted their share of oil money. This had a very big blow on agricultural activities all over the country.Apart from the fact that the sector seriously caused digression from agric business, it also led to acute shortage of employment, as the sector alone in all its arms (onshore and offshore) failed to serve the employment needs of the population. Another atrocity of the oil boom was its exposure of many Nigerians to overnight affluence with little or no efforts. This explains why till the moment, many graduates will prefer waiting endlessly for plum but scarce oil company jobs to other available but menial ones.In order to correct these anomalies therefore, government must as a matter of urgency declare state of emergency in agricultural sector. We must go back to the drawing board and see our existence as attached to farming. Given our vast expansion of fertile land, we do not require the service of soothsayers to be convinced that Nigeria has comparative advantage in agriculture. Here, our shooting population should also serve as a blessing rather than curse. To this end, government at all levels should be prevailed upon to heavily but prudently invest in extensive agriculture. Farming should be packaged in such manner that it will be attractive to the youths.Besides, incentives should be provided for true farmers in order to earn their confidence. And government needs to strategise and harness all its resources towards attracting people to the rural areas. All poverty alleviation programmes should be substantially directed at encouraging farming activities. The tradition of giving out Keke Napep, okada, clipper and other material things which only make the youths to end up struggling for spaces in the already crowded urban centres should be stopped. Agricultural settlements should be revived in all states of the federation, subtle legislations for land acquisition enacted and inputs made available for extensive farming. Loans should also be made accessible to the farmers without stringent conditions.Conclusively, I am sure by the time all these necessary ingredients (pull factors) are concentrated in the rural areas across the country, not only would the unemployment problems be solved; the overcrowding of our cities and its consequential problems would be automatically resolved as well.Raheem Wasiu MayowaBale Agbe QuartersOje Owode.
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