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HARVEST OF SHAME 1

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2019

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

Harvest of Shame was a 1960 television documentary presented by American broadcast journalist Edward Murrow on CBS, showing the plight of poor migrant farmers in the United States of America. The report was intended to shock America into action by bringing to Americans a live broadcast of what it means to live in poverty. Here in this clime we encounter the ‘Harvest of Shame’ on a daily basis, live and direct. We are talking of the shame of poverty in Nigeria and Africa in general. Of serious consequences for future generations is our unserious attitude to poverty alleviation not to talk of its eradication.

The first step in bringing people out of poverty is food security which is intractably tied to farming and agriculture. A hungry people cannot industrialize as their existential priority is to fill their stomach; call it stomach infrastructure if you like. Today, we are witnessing our ‘harvest of shame’ as a result of neglect and a lackadaisical attitude to the sociological imperatives of development. All those things that worked in our favor 59 years ago at independence have been corroded, abandoned and discarded, as a result of our myopic enthrallment with oil; the proceeds of which has failed to put food on our table except imported rice which most of the poor cannot afford. Oil cannot grow cassava in our farms; neither can it grow yams or tomatoes. The economics of oil is restrictive as its proceeds benefits only a few gate-keepers who hoard the money in foreign tax havens and do not even make any pretence at not creating employment for the poor multitude, hence the country exports oil but its people are poor. Oil has equally failed to expand opportunities for employment thereby taking many out of poverty. Rather, subsidy is enriching a particular class at the detriment of the larger population. Monies that could have been spent on health, education, agriculture and other sectors is being heaped on a single item. Like the Emir of Kano recently cried out, we are pauperizing the country and its people.

Before the country was colonized by Britain, during the second half of the 19th century, the various nationality groups that currently make up Nigeria were largely an agricultural people. They were food self-sufficient and produced a variety of commodities that were exported overseas. The same is still true today. Our human geography tells us that we remain an agrarian society where 70% of our population is engaged in agriculture. However, the past glory of commodity exporter has lost its luster. There remains the fact that we are incapable of feeding ourselves and poverty persists in the nation.

On the research side, attention was devoted largely to the possibilities of evolving permanent systems of agriculture that were capable of replacing rotational bush-fallowing systems prevalent in the country and realizing the promises of mixed farming in the north. Achievements of the period include the development of ‘Alien Cotton’ in the south; rice cultivation in Sokoto, Niger, llorin, Abeokuta Colony and Ondo provinces; the introduction of wheat cultivation in the more northern parts of the northern provinces; the expansion of production of such export crops as cocoa, oil palm and groundnut. The billion Naira questions begging for answers are many. Have we kept faith with these policies? What became of Awolowo’s farm settlements in Western Nigeria and in other parts of the country? Why is Lagos not a huge fish economy? The same could be asked of Cross River, Rivers and Delta States. What happened to our vast rubber plantations; Odutola Palm plantation; and the rubber plantation spanning Ikenne to Ayepe?

Among the most enduring and damaging impacts of Nigeria’s oil and gas resource curse has been the long, steady decline of the country’s agricultural sector. Add to this, is the attitude of the monied class to investment in agriculture. At best investment in agriculture is seen as a fad or fashion; hence there has been no wholehearted involvement in food production: Rather than produce food, they are content with growing mangoes for export; instead of fish for the teeming populace, they lay emphasis on shrimps which they sell on the high seas to foreign buyers. The small scale farmers do not have access to facilities and they remain subsistence in their activities. But those who have the money to invest are lackadaisical in their attitude. At best it’s a fashion that soon gets outmoded and they move on to other dollar-yielding activities. Where are the much vaunted Abiola Farms, Yar’Adua Farms, Folawiyo Farms and many more that are too lengthy to mention? The biggest fish farm we have is owned by foreigners who are ready to convert their investment into dollars and leave with the next flight. Yet we talk about food insecurity.

Food security can only exist when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Today, the agricultural sector is one of the most important in the country; it employs around 70% of Nigerian Labour force. But the sector suffers because of low output, and because of that, it is getting harder to feed the increasing population.

Another factor that has exacerbated the incidence of food sufficiency in Nigeria is the conflict and violence which has been largely due to ethnic and religious tensions: High rates of population growth and poverty have also played a part, within an already difficult environment of fragile ecosystems.

Although industrialized agriculture has been successful in producing large quantities of food, the future of food production is in jeopardy due to problems in agriculture.

Many face hunger, and an estimated three million could suffer critical food insecurity during the next lean season. Children under five in Nigeria experience high malnutrition rates: 43.6% are stunted, 10.8% are wasted.

Food shortage is a serious problem facing the world and is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The scarcity of food is caused by economic, environmental and social factors such as crop failure, overpopulation and most importantly as a result of poor government policies.

Until our governments at various levels live up to their responsibilities in creating an enabling environment for robust agricultural development, we will continue to reap a ‘Harvest of Shame’.

GOD, give us men!

A time like this demand

Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;

Men whom the lust of office does not kill;

Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;

Men who possess opinions and a will;

Men who have honor; men who will not lie;

Men who can stand before a demagogue

And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!

Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog

In public duty, and in private thinking;

For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,

Their large professions and their little deeds,

Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,

Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.

– Josiah Gilbert Holland

Barka Juma’at and a Happy weekend!

Featured

I’ll Continue to Take Difficult Decisions Tough times Notwithstanding – Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, told the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at The Hague that his administration is committed to taking difficult decisions for the benefit of the Nigerian people, despite the short-term challenges.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria has weathered the worst of storms and that his administration’s actions are guided by a long-term vision for the country’s prosperity.

The president highlighted the vast trade opportunities between Nigeria and the Netherlands, spanning multiple sectors. He also underscored his government’s efforts to enhance the investment climate through ongoing reforms.

Notably, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s potential to drive the global clean energy transition with its high-grade lithium deposits, positioning the country as a key player in Europe’s energy future.

Tinubu stressed the importance of balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in solid minerals, to create value-added opportunities.

He expressed confidence in the Nigerian people, citing their resilience and determination.

This confidence, he said, empowers him to make tough decisions on their behalf, knowing that these choices will provide Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in the long term.

The president stated: “I am a determined leader of my people. I have and will continue to take the difficult decisions that will benefit our people, even if there is short-term pain.

“We have gone through the worst of the storms. I am unafraid of the consequences once I know that my actions are in the best long-term interests of all Nigerians.

“Taking a holistic view of the world order, there is a tremendous opportunity between us across trade spheres, but especially in solid minerals, where we have high-grade lithium deposits that we know can power the clean energy future of the world.“There is excellent value-additive opportunity in Nigeria. The world knows us for oil. They will soon know us for greater innovative exploits in other areas.”

The meeting with Prime Minister Rutte at The Catshuis, the official residence in The Hague, underscores the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

Tinubu’s remarks reaffirm his administration’s commitment to bold leadership and strategic decision-making, even in the face of challenges, to secure a brighter future for Nigeria.

Featured

Rivers: Wike’s Men Reject Reployment, Resign from Fubara’s Govt

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

Two Rivers State commissioners have resigned their appointments shortly after they were redeployed in a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are the Attorney General and commissioners for Justice, and Finance; Zacchaeus Adangor and Isaac Kamalu respectively.

The duo were affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23.

Kamalu and Adangor are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the immediate former governor of Rivers and incumbent minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Last year, the commissioners resigned from their positions following the political feud between Wike and Fubara.

They were later reinstated after Wike and Fubara signed a peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

While Adangor was moved to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office), Kamalu was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment.

Kamalu’s resignation came hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, tendered his resignation.

In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was the reason he quit the cabinet.

The former commissioner said he could not give his best in an atmosphere of rancour.

“Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) originally as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (2015-2019) and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance with oversight responsibility for the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (2019 – 2023),” the letter reads.

“The mandates of the respective Ministries were to the best of our abilities (as Ministries) duly carried out and at all times material relevant reforms were embarked upon for improved performance and effective and sustainable service delivery.

“Among several others, we successfully carried out the following; “Initiating and (supporting existing) policy frameworks for enhanced internal revenue generation.

“This with (necessary adjustments made on some of the programs) led to the increase in the internal revenue receipts. This steady rise has presently generated though not the figures erroneously claimed in the media.

“Aggressive improvement in Federation receipts by securing recovery by the state of oilfields that were also the subject of the successful claim against International Oll Companies (IOCs) on production sharing contracts; the recoveries arising from 13% derivation and the demand by the state for adherence to the fiscal provisions in the constitution in support of states by successfully removing from Federation receipts institutions of Government whether state or federal not so recognized by the constitution such as the Police Trust Fund and others thus widening the available receipts for States and the last but not the least our success on the subject of Value Added Tax.

“The reason behind these painstaking efforts was to make available a basket of receipts sufficient to enable the state to deliver good governance through the provision of goods and services.

“It was this idea that informed the continuity and consolidation mantra that was the theme of your election campaign and government thereafter.

“You will respectfully recall that when the climate of discord became unbearable I and other like-minded members of the Executive Council that were appointed by you resigned.

“You thereafter engaged His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as Father of the Nation to intervene in the matter.

“In deference to the directive of Mr. President, I and the others were recalled and we all accepted and joined the cabinet again. I expected Sir that with the opportunity provided by Mr.President, every effort will be made to sustain peace.

“Regrettably Your Excellency the peace in Government and governance that we all – citizens and residents of the state desire has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts and demand for same.

“This has affected our ability to protect and defend the gains that we made these past years.

“In the course of official engagements, I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact we all are willing and determined to work for this.

“It is very difficult to deliver good governance where there is acrimony and discord. It is not the point of service that is important but the climate. Our present circumstance makes service delivery extremely challenging. I still hold the belief that it is never too late for peace.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment. I do not accept it. I reject it and convey to you my immediate resignation as Commissioner and member of the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter.

“While praying that the Good Lord grants us Peace, I thank you for the opportunity and assure you the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Featured

Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff to Facilitate Purchase of Cars, Houses

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate the purchase of houses and cars by working Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the Consumer Credit Scheme will enhance the quality of life citizens by allowing them to “access goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time”.

“It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations,” the statement added.

“Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.”

In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability,” the statement noted, adding that working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit CREDICORP’s website to express interest before the deadline date of May 15, 2024.

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

The CREDICORP’s objectives include: “(1) Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.

“(2) Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today.

“(3) Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.”