Sun Award: Agriculture is Nigeria’s economic future – Bago

• Urges Nigerians to embrace the sector

From John Adams, Minna

Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago has said that agriculture holds the future of the nation’s economy and remains the most sustainable way towards achieving food sufficiency, job creation, and economic prosperity.

The Governor stated this during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Sun Awards, where he was honoured with The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year in Agriculture Award in recognition of his administration’s commitment to revitalising agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security.

The Governor urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture, saying that the sector remains the only sustainable way to economic prosperity for the country.

Bago, who said he dedicated the award to all farmers in Nigeria, pointed out that it will serve as further motivation to intensify efforts in feeding Nigeria as a whole.

He encouraged citizens to utilise available spaces, including backyards and even sacks, for livestock and crop production.

According to him, “No matter how little your space is, you can grow something. You don’t need vast farmlands to contribute to the nation’s food supply.

“A simple vegetable garden, a few crops in sacks, or even greenhouses can make a difference,” he added.
Governor Bago reiterated his belief that agriculture is the new crude oil, emphasising that reliance on oil revenue is unsustainable. He stressed that Nigeria’s vast arable land should be harnessed for large-scale food production, agro-processing, and export, which will reduce dependence on food imports and strengthen the nation’s economy.

The Governor called on governments, investors, policymakers, and citizens to join hands in making agriculture a priority, ensuring that Nigeria not only feeds itself but also becomes a global player in food production and export.

“With the right policies, investments, and the collective efforts of all Nigerians, we can turn our agricultural sector into a powerhouse that drives economic transformation and positions Nigeria as a leader in global food production,” he said.

It is recalled that the Governor was among distinguished Nigerians who received various Sun Newspaper awards on Saturday at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.

He expressed gratitude to the award organisers and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transforming Niger State into the food basket of the nation through strategic investments in mechanised farming, irrigation, and support for rural farmers.

Governor Bago has consistently championed agriculture as the foundation for sustainable development, rural empowerment, and national prosperity, making Niger State a model for agricultural innovation and productivity.