President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday promised that
his administration would stop at nothing to actualise its plans to
positively transform the nation’s agricultural sector.
He said his target was to make the sector a major
wealth creator and source of employment for the nation’s youths.
Jonathan spoke when a delegation from the
International Fund for Agricultural Development, led by its President,
Dr. Kanayo Nwanze, paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the Federal Government was initiating and
promoting reforms that would move Nigeria away from subsistence farming
to the establishment of agriculture as a viable modern-day business.
He said, “We have a very large youthful population
and to create enough jobs for them, we must develop agriculture, solid
minerals and other sectors.
“Nigeria has a lot of untapped potential for
agricultural development. If we can reposition agriculture as a
profitable and dignified profession, more of our young people will be
encouraged to go that way.
“We are focused in this regard and I am confident
that we will achieve positive results.”
The President thanked IFAD for supporting the country
with a $74m virtually interest-free loan.
He lauded Nwanze for his support for agricultural
development in Nigeria.
Nwanze told the President that IFAD had given loans
and grants worth $225m for agricultural development in Nigeria since
1985.
He promised that IFAD would continue to support
efforts of the present administration to modernise agricultural
production in Nigeria.
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