President Bola Tinubu yesterday vowed that his administration would address food insecurity in the country and drive down the cost of living for the citizens.
Tinubu said the government’s recent decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential food items were short-term measures to address the rising food prices across the country.
This is just as the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba called for cooperation with Tinubu’s efforts to turn things around, declaring that after this current darkness, there would be a great joy in the country.
The Senate had on Tuesday urged the federal government to immediately address the issue of food insecurity in order to avert an imminent crisis.
Last Wednesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of food commodities.
Speaking at the public presentation of Chief Osoba’s book “My Life in the Public Eye” in Lagos, the president noted that these measures were specifically aimed at tackling food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.
“We are taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressed that this action was part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance living conditions for all Nigerians.
While addressing short-term challenges, President Tinubu also reiterated the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency.
“We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he added.
The president also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it a vital lesson for the nation, particularly during challenging times.
“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” President Tinubu stated, urging Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions,” he added.
As the event coincided with Osoba’s upcoming 85th birthday, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Osoba’s continued health and active lifestyle, wishing him many more years of good health.
He commended Osoba, whom he affectionately referred to as “Aremo 1,” for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.
Tinubu noted Osoba’s role as a two-time governor of Ogun State and his important involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a coalition formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
NADECO consisted of various pro-democracy activists, politicians, and civil society leaders. Notable members included Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Olusegun Osoba, among others.
SOIURCE:https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/07/14/at-osobas-book-launch-fg-vows-to-tackle-food-crisis-reduce-cost-of-living/